Mind and cancer: does psychosocial intervention improve survival and psychological well-being?
The aim of this review was to evaluate the scientific evidence for an effect of psychosocial intervention on survival from cancer and well-being and in particular on anxiety and depression. A literature search yielded 43 randomised studies of psychosocial intervention. Four of the eight studies in which survival was assessed showed a significant effect, and the effect on anxiety and depression was also inconsistent, indicating three possible explanations: (i) only some of the intervention strategies affect prognosis and/or well-being and in only certain patient groups; (ii) the effect was weak, so that inconsistent results were found in the generally small study populations; or (iii) the effect was diluted by the inclusion of unselected patient groups rather than being restricted to patients in need of psychosocial support. Thus, large-scale studies with sound methods are needed in which eligible patients are screened for distress. Meanwhile, the question of whether psychosocial intervention among cancer patients has a beneficial effect remains unresolved.
Department of Psychosocial Cancer Research, Institute of Cancer Epidemiology, Danish Cancer Society, Strandboulevarden 49, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark. ross@cancer.dk
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Ross
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Boesen
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Dalton
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Johansen
D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008603:Mental Health; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D011379:Prognosis; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012649:Self Concept; D012944:Social Support; D016019:Survival Analysis