Accession Number:

ADA334925

Title:

Stress and Immunity Breast Cancer Project

Descriptive Note:

Annual rept 15 Aug 96-14 Aug 97

Corporate Author:

OHIO STATE UNIV RESEARCH FOUNDATION COLUMBUS

Personal Author(s):

• Andersen, Barbara L.

Report Date:

1997-09-01

Pagination or Media Count:

34.0

Abstract:

Psychological research documents that the psychosocial burdens following breast cancer are notable in number, severity, and scope. A biobehavioral model of cancer stress and disease course has been proposed and provides a conceptual basis for the proposed research. We are testing the model with a clinical trial 235 women with stage II or III breast cancer who have been diagnosed and recently surgically treated are randomized between two conditions 1 assessment and intervention, or 2 assessment only control. In addition to documenting the quality of life benefits of a psychological intervention, this study provides an experimental test of the psychological and behavioral variables which may influence health outcomes directly. Further, we test specific mechanisms--alteration in immune and endocrine functions--to achieve beneficial health effects for women with breast cancer.

Descriptors:

• *PSYCHOLOGY
• *BREAST CANCER
• STRESSES
• HEALTH
• CLINICAL MEDICINE
• QUALITY
• BEHAVIOR
• IMMUNITY
• WOMEN
• INTERVENTION
• LIVING STANDARDS

Subject Categories:

• Psychology
• Medicine and Medical Research

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE