Biopsychosocial Research Training in Breast Cancer.
Abstract
A diagnosis of breast cancer and subsequent treatment can bring about significant distress, disruption and sexual dysfunction in the lives of women who experience them. Factors such as socioeconomic status, treatment modality, patient perceptions, coping strategies and social support have all been shown to influence the ways in which women adjust to these events. Behavioral interventions developed on the basis of the results of systematic studies of this adjustment process have the potential to foster positive expectancies about the future, can alter patient's coping responses and health maintenance behaviors, increase their sense of support from others, and facilitate an attitude of re-engagement with life. While studies of ethnic minority women have been conducted on breast cancer incidence and survival rates and on tendencies to use or avoid mammography (i.e., primary prevention) virtually no data exist on the predictors of psychosocial sequelae of breast cancer in these groups (i.e., secondary prevention). This represents a serious limitation in our ability to develop effective behavioral interventions to facilitate the adjustment process in these populations. A major focus of our research group has been to evaluate the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of behavioral intervention designed to facilitate psychosocial adjustment to breast cancer and its treatment, and to modify factors possibly associated with physical health and disease recurrence in breast cancer patients.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA337795
Entities
People
- Michael H Antoni
Organizations
- University of Miami