Study: Social Support May Be Important for Breast Cancer Survivors

Breast cancer survivors who discussed their hopes, fears and concerns with people who were close to them had a better mental and physical quality of life than those who did not open up about their feelings, according to a study reported in the Journal of Behavioral Medicine.

Researchers at the Children's National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, Mount Sinai School of Medicine and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York studied 64 women, aged 30 to 81, who had survived breast cancer.

"The results of this study suggest that social support may be an important buffer to long-term negative effects of cancer and its treatment on the lives of long-term survivors," the researchers said.

Women who reported low levels of support were more likely to have intrusive thoughts and a lower mental quality of life, according to the study.

Early detection and better treatment options are helping breast cancer victims live longer but fears that their cancer will recur, along with other related concerns, may prevent women from enjoying their recovery, according to the researchers.

Other sources: Journal of Behavioral Medicine, Reuters