|
|
 |
 |
Search
Quick links
Information for
This is an AstraZeneca International website for patients and carers.
The site is not intended for the following audiences who should use the links below:
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
26 August 2008
|
Optimism linked to reduced breast cancer risk
|
MedWire News: Women with an optimistic outlook on life are less likely to develop breast cancer than their more pessimistic counterparts, research suggests.
"Since 1983, studies have suggested an interaction between the severe life events, psychological distress and the etiology [development] of cancer. However, these associations are still under dispute," explain Dr Ronit Peled, from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Beer Sheva, Israel, and team.
To investigate further, the researchers studied 622 women, aged younger than 45 years, of whom 255 had been diagnosed with breast cancer.
All the participants were interviewed and completed questionnaires designed to assess their life experiences and their levels of happiness, optimism, anxiety and depression prior to diagnosis.
Analysis revealed that women who reported a general optimistic and happy outlook were around 25% less likely to develop breast cancer than those with a more pessimistic outlook.
The researchers also found that women who had suffered two or more stressful life events, such as the death of a loved one, were 62% more likely to develop breast cancer than those who reported experiencing no such life events.
"We can carefully say that experiencing more than one severe and/or mild to moderate life event is a risk factor for breast cancer among young women. On the other hand, a general feeling of happiness and optimism can play a protective role," said Dr Peled.
Writing in the journal BMC Cancer, Dr Peled and team conclude: "Young women who were exposed to a number of life events, should be considered as a risk group for breast cancer and treated accordingly."
BMC Cancer 2008; 8: 245
http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1471-2407-8-245.pdf
|
|
© CMG
|
 E-mail this story to a friend
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
 |
Home