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Having an emotionally healthy outlook may provide long-lasting benefits for women with breast cancer.
Hi, I'm Dr. Cindy Haines, host of HealthDay TV.
In the new issue of Clinical Cancer Research, researchers revisited an earlier study that included 227 patients with breast cancer. Half were enrolled in a year-long program in which they learned relaxation exercises, ways to cope with stress, and methods for improving their health behaviors. Over roughly 11 years, these participants had a 45-percent lower risk of cancer recurrence.
In the new study, the researchers looked at 62 of the participants whose cancer returned. The people who took part in the program had a 59-percent lower risk of death after their cancer came back. In addition, although everyone felt significant distress when they were diagnosed with cancer again, only those who went through the program improved.
According to the American Cancer Society, emotional distress typically accompanies cancer. However, different experts can help patients through the difficulties related to cancer, including social workers, mental health professionals and counselors. For more information on coping with cancer, visit the organization at www.cancer.org.
I'm Dr. Cindy Haines of HealthDay TV, with the news that doctors are reading; health news that matters to you.
