Posttraumatic growth and diurnal cortisol slope among women with metastatic breast cancer.
BACKGROUND
A cancer diagnosis leads to increased psychological and emotional distress. However, in the aftermath of a traumatic event, such as being diagnosed with breast cancer, an individual may also experience beneficial changes in life perspective, relationships with others, and more. These changes are collectively known as posttraumatic growth (PTG). Studies have demonstrated that cortisol levels have been linked with cancer survival, yet an investigation of the relationship between PTG and cortisol has yet to be conducted among cancer patients.


METHODS
The relationship of PTG to cortisol levels was examined among 99 metastatic breast cancer patients.


RESULTS
We found a significant correlation between PTG and diurnal cortisol slope (Spearman's rho=-0.21, p<0.05), indicating a link between positive psychological changes and healthier endocrine functioning in cancer patients.


CONCLUSIONS
PTG in response to the stress of cancer was related to more normal (i.e., steeper) diurnal cortisol patterns. Longitudinal studies are recommended to investigate these mechanisms in relationship to cancer survival.
Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States.
Michael
M
Diaz
Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States.
Arianna
A
Aldridge-Gerry
Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States. Electronic address: dspiegel@stanford.edu.
David
D
Spiegel
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological / Q000502:physiology*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000032:analysis*; D007030:Hypothalamo-Hypophyseal System / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis / Q000503:physiopathology; D010913:Pituitary-Adrenal System / Q000503:physiopathology; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D006854:Hydrocortisone
Breast cancer; Diurnal cortisol; Endocrine function; Posttraumatic growth