Psychosocial responses in breast cancer survivors.
OBJECTIVE
To review the evidence on psychosocial responses in breast cancer survivors (BCS); identify factors that influence those responses; and propose patterns of psychosocial functioning that may provide a framework for assessment and intervention.


METHODS
Research articles/abstracts; literature reviews.


CONCLUSIONS
The majority of breast cancer survivors demonstrate a pattern of recovery. Age, information, communication, social and emotional support, family, and degree of symptom distress are known factors influencing QOL outcomes.


CONCLUSIONS
Assessment of psychosocial functioning is essential to identify needs and risk factors. Interventions should be targeted to meet informational needs, promote effective communication, manage uncertainty, control symptoms, enhance social and emotional support, and address cultural differences.
Knobf
M Tish
MT
Yale School of Nursing, New Haven, CT, USA. tish.knobf@yale.edu
D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D012944:Social Support; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000209:etiology; D017741:Survivors