Psychosocial factors in women with operable breast cancer. An association to estrogen receptor status?

Author(s): Soreide, J. A., Malt, U. F.

Journal/Book: J Psychosom Res. 1995; 39: The Boulevard, Langford Lane, Kidlington, Oxford, England OX5 1GB. Pergamon-Elsevier Science Ltd. 875-881.

Abstract: The association between psychosocial parameters and estrogen receptor (ER) status was evaluated in 85 consecutive breast cancer patients with stage I and II disease. Patients were categorized into those with ER+ and ER- rumours. Life events, emotional control, neuroticism, social support, adjustments to illness, and psychological distress were measured the day before surgery. Group comparisons showed significant differences between the groups as to age, emotional control and distribution of the life event: ''experienced another illness/accident/hospitalization during the last year''. A multiple regression analysis indicated significant effect for variables ''age'' and ''life event'', explaining 19% of the variation in ER level. The variable ''emotional control'' was positively correlated to age (r=0.369) and did not contribute in itself. We conclude that none of the factors were associated with ER status when age and personal health data were controlled for. Our study does not support ER status as a possible link between behavioural factors and disease course in breast cancer.

Note: Article L Tjemsland, Stavanger Rogaland Psychiat Hosp, Dept Psychiat, Norwegian Canc Soc, N-4011 Stavanger, Norway

Keyword(s): behavioural factors; breast cancer; hormone receptors; PROGESTERONE RECEPTORS

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