Psychological factors and wellbeing in breast cancer patients compared to healthy women
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, with nearly 1.7 million new cases diagnosed every year. This represents about 12% of all new cancer cases and 25% of all cancers in women (World Cancer Research Fund International, 2015). Also, it is estimated an increase of between 22.000-25.000 new cases per year. Even more, in spite of being considered a multi-causal disease, we must consider that between the 70% and the 80% breast cancer occurs in women without a likely risk factor.
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PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS AND WELLBEING IN BREAST CANCER PATIENTS COMPARED TO HEALTHY WOMEN Antonio Zayas*, Rocío Guil*, Mª del Mar Aires**, Cristina Guerrero*, Paloma Gil-Olarte*, José Miguel Mestre* & Gabriel de la Torre* University of Cádiz (*) (SPAIN) University of Sevilla (**) (SPAIN) To assess the relationship between level of self-esteem, psychological well-being, and life satisfaction in breast cancer patients compared to healthy women. OBJECTIVE ABSTRACT Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, with nearly 1.7 million new cases diagnosed every year. This represents about 12% of all new cancer cases and 25% of all cancers in women (World Cancer Research Fund International, 2015). Also, it is estimated an increase of between 22.000-25.000 new cases per year. Even more, in spite of being considered a multi-causal disease, we must consider that between the 70% and the 80% breast cancer occurs in women without a likely risk factor. PARTICIPANTS 30 breast cancer patients and 30 healthy women. Average age of 47.47 years old (SD= 6.35). METHOD QUESTIONNAIRES -Rosenberg Self Esteem Scale (RSES) -Satisfaction With Life Scale -Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-Being One way ANOVA revealed significant differences between groups. Breast cancer patients reported more self-esteem, more well-being and major life satisfaction than control group. RESULTS DESCRIPTIVES N Mean SD Self-esteem Range (1-4) Control 30 3.160 .691 Experimental 30 3.646 .537 Total 60 3.403 .661 Acceptance Range (1-6) Control 30 4.494 .785 Experimental 30 4.877 .826 Total 60 4.686 .822 Positive Relations Range (1-6) Control 30 4.527 1.099 Experimental 30 5.244 .691 Total 60 4.886 .979 Autonomy Range (1-6) Control 30 4.158 .546 Experimental 30 4.587 .751 Total 60 4.372 .686 Life purpose Range (1-6) Control 30 4.711 .904 Experimental 30 5.133 .953 Total 60 4.922 .945 Life Satisfaction Range (1-7) Control 30 5.046 1.186 Experimental 30 5.673 1.152 Total 60 5.360 1.202 ANOVA Sum of squares df Mean square F Sig. Selfesteem Between Groups 3.553 1 3.553 9.262 .004 Within Groups 22.247 58 .384 Total 25.799 59 Acceptance Between Groups 2.204 1 2.204 3.387 .071 Within Groups 37.745 58 .651 Total 39.950 59 Positive Relations Between Groups 7.704 1 7.704 9.131 .004 Within Groups 48.934 58 .844 Total 56.638 59 Autonomy Between Groups 2.763 1 2.763 6.401 .014 Within Groups 25.034 58 .432 Total 27.797 59 Life purpose Between Groups 2.674 1 2.674 3.097 .084 Within Groups 50.074 58 .863 Total 52.748 59 Life Satisfaction Between Groups 5.891 1 5.891 4.304 .042 Within Groups 79.373 58 1.369 Total 85.264 59 In order to overcome their traumatic health experience, Breast Cancer Women (BCW) improved their skills to cope better with their personal situations. This improvement influences in their both life’s satisfaction and psychological wellbeing. Survived BCW are suitable volunteers for helping and coaching new BCW. CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES Ryff, C. & Keyes, C. (1995). The structure of psychological well-being revisited. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 69, 719-727. Rosenberg, M. (1965) Society and the adolescent. Princenton: Princenton University Press. Diener , E., Emmons R., Larsen, R.J. & Griffin, S. (1985). The satisfaction with life scale. Journal of Personality Assesment, 49(1), 71-75. 5th biennial ICCTF meeting Netherlands Cancer Institute Amsterdam 14-16 March View publication statsView publication stats