(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- Psychological intervention programs may not only improve a breast cancer patients' overall health, they may also increase their chance of survival.
Researchers at Ohio State University's Comprehensive Cancer Center found that patients participating in an intervention program reduced their risk of dying of breast cancer by 56 percent over an average of 11 years. They also reduced their risk of recurrence by 45 percent.
Participants included 227 patients who were surgically treated for Stage II or Stage III breast cancer. Half the patients received the intervention program while the other half were simply assessed on a regular basis.
Those in the intervention group met weekly in groups of eight to 12 with a clinical psychologist. During the program, patients were taught strategies to reduce stress, improve mood and alter health behaviors. After four months of weekly sessions, participants met monthly for eight months.
After years of follow up, researchers have seen benefits beyond improved survival and reduced risk of recurrence. Among patients who died of breast cancer, those who participated in the intervention program lived longer -- an average of 6.1 years for program participants versus 4.8 years for those who were simply assessed. Intervention participants were also less likely to die from causes other than breast cancer, such as heart disease or other cancers.
SOURCE: Cancer, published online Nov. 17, 2008
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