Psychological factors of survival and course of disease in women with breast cancer: results of a longitudinal study

Current research has conflicting results on the relationship between psychological factors and breast cancer survival. The associations found between psychological factors and course and survival are described as relatively small compared with those for medical factors. However, analysis of disease-free survival and associated factors leads to a better understanding of the patient's condition and characteristics associated with relapse and provides the basis for more effective treatment. The purpose of this study is to determine the psychological factors of favorable course and relapse-free survival in breast cancer. Research methods. An analysis of the psychological characteristics of women with breast cancer at various stages of the disease (N=151) was carried out. The following psychological diagnostic methods were used: the Basic Beliefs Scale (World assumptions scale, Janoff-Bulman R., adaptation by M. A. Padun, A. V. Kotelnikova), the Level of Subjective Control method (E. F. Bazhin, E. A. Golynkina, L.M. Etkind), Life Orientation Test (Life Orientation Test, Scheier M.F., Carver C.S., adaptation by Tsiring D.A., Evninoy K.Yu.), questionnaire SF-36 “Assessment of quality of life.” As methods of statistical processing of empirical data: methods of descriptive statistics (M, SD, Me), discriminant analysis. Results. When verifying the hypothesis, psychological factors associated with relapse-free five-year survival and a favorable course of breast cancer were obtained. Mental health, internality in the field of failures and in the field of industrial relations act as factors in the system of other factors of relapse-free survival in women with breast cancer. Mental health as an indicator of subjective assessment of quality of life is significantly higher in women with breast cancer, whose course of the disease is favorable and without signs of cancer. This indicator makes the maximum contribution among the psychological variables studied in this study to the recurrence-free survival of women with breast cancer, and manifests itself as optimal mood, the absence of signs of depression and anxiety, and the presence of positive emotions. Also, predictors of relapse-free survival and a favorable course of the disease are the tendency towards an internal locus of control in the field of failures - a sense of responsibility and subjective control in relation to failures and negative events, as well as in the field of industrial relations, considering one’s actions a significant factor in the organization of professional activities, in relationships in team. The results of discriminant analysis demonstrate that the combination of these three psychological factors is determinant for relapse-free survival and a favorable course of breast cancer, along with medical and socio-demographic factors.

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