Effects of Psychosocial Support on Patients with Metastatic Breast Cancer

This article reviews evidence that psychosocial support may influence the progression of cancer, as indicated by differences in length of survival. Psychotherapeutic methods that have proved to be effective involve direct confrontation of fears; expression of affect, including aegative feelings; provision of social support; and training in self-hypnosis for analgesia. Possible mechanisms for this psychosocial effect on progression of disease include changes in diet and exercise, better use and provision of health care, and positive effects on the sensitivity of the endocrine and immune systems to stress. The author reviews the limitations of these theories and offers suggestions for future research.