Physiological Stress Reactivity and Breast Cancer

The objective of the present program of research is to study physiological processes that may mediate the links between psychological states and cancer. Specifically, the present study is designed to conduct an investigation of the cross-sectional associations between indices of stress reactivity and psychological coping styles in women with breast cancer and matched healthy controls. The aims of the project are 1 To quantify parameters of biological reactivity to a behavioral stress paradigm in women with and without breast cancer 2 To examine effects of menopause and familial risk on biological stress reactivity and emotional expression and 3 To develop the methodology and obtain preliminary data which could justify subsequent, prospective research with high-risk populations. Data collection ended May 2005. Results of data analyses indicated significant differences in several cardiovascular indicators of stress-reactivity, as well as significant differences in changes in cortisol levels between the breast cancer and control group. While specific coping styles were shown to relate differently to cardiovascular stress responses and negative emotional responses among participants, coping styles were not associated with changes in cortisol levels. This suggests that the HPA-stress hormone link may not be mediated by perception of stress. Among reproductive and familial risk factors assessed, oral contraceptive use and length of use were associated with a dyregulated biological stress response profile i.e., respond quicker and not recover as quickly.