Women with metastatic breast cancer for whom religion is an important part of their lives have an improved immune response, according to researchers at the University of Louisville School of Medicine in Kentucky and Stanford University School of Education in California.

Their study examined the relationships between spirituality and immune function in 112 women with metastatic breast cancer. Spirituality was analyzed by using patient reports of frequency of attendance at religious services and importance of religion in their lives.

Investigators measured immunity white cell counts, lymphocytes, T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells in the women. Assessments of natural killer cell activity and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to skin test antigens gave two measures of immunity.

Women who rated religion as important had greater numbers of circulating white blood cells and total lymphocyte counts, as well as helper and cytoxic T-cell counts, the researchers reported in The Breast Journal..

Other Sources: The Breast Journal