Changes in female support network systems and adaptation after breast cancer diagnosis: differences between older and younger patients.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluates the changes in social networks of older and younger breast cancer patients over a 6-month period following their first diagnosis and how such modifications are associated with changes in the patients' mood state.


METHODS
Newly diagnosed breast cancer patients were interviewed shortly after their diagnosis and again 6 months later. Female support network members enumerated by patients were interviewed once within 3 months of the patients' initial interview.


RESULTS
Findings based on information for 149 network members of 26 patients indicate that members in older (> or =51 years) patients' networks were less likely to be dropped at follow-up (odds ratio [OR] = 0.21, p = .04) compared with those in younger patients' networks. Network members who provided more support were less likely to be dropped by younger patients (OR = 0.42, p < .01). Decrease in network size was associated with decrease in mood disturbances among younger patients (Profile of Mood State-Bipolar: beta = 0. 35, p < or = .01).


CONCLUSIONS
Reducing the number of network members after cancer diagnosis may not necessarily lead to psychological distress, providing support for self-regulation of social network resources among cancer patients. Older patients' network members were more embedded in patients' networks, making it more stable over time. Identifying important network members (e.g., frequent support providers for younger patients and family members for older patients) and facilitating positive social interactions between these network members and patients may be beneficial.
Ashida
Sato
S
Social and Behavioral Research Branch, National Human Genome Research Institute, 31 Center Drive, B1B37C, Bethesda, MD 20892-2073, USA. ashidas@mail.nih.gov
Palmquist
Aunchalee E L
AE
Basen-Engquist
Karen
K
Singletary
S Eva
SE
Koehly
Laura M
LM
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D008875:Middle Aged; D012944:Social Support; D014481:United States