Just about everyone has heard the phrase mind over matter. Now researchers have found that giving cancer patients psychological support can dramatically improve their chances of surviving the disease.
When Marsha Scanlin was battling breast cancer, playing the piano was one way she relaxed.
She also met with a psychologist and other breast cancer patients once a week to learn skills to help her cope.
"It was like a no-holds barred type of group. We did a lot of talking, a lot of sharing, There was a lot of laughter," she said.
The women met as part of a research study to find out whether adding a psychological support program to treatment would make a difference in cancer survival.
The women learned coping skills like relaxation, using a support system and improving diet and exercise.
Dramatic physical effects
Researchers followed the women for ten years, measuring their immunity and stress levels along the way.
"The intervention reduced stress, it enhanced their perceptions of their social relationships so they felt more supported. and it just helped them cope more effectively," said Dr. Barbara Andersen, of the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Centre
That led to dramatic physical effects too.
All of the women in the support program had stronger immune systems then the woman who received standard cancer treatment.
They were 45 per cent less likely to have their cancer return.
And their risk of dying from breast cancer dropped nearly 60 per cent.
This response was even greater among certain women.
"The women that were depressed really did exceedingly well with the intervention. Their levels of depression fell quite substantially. Their immunity improved across the board," said Dr. Andersen.
Marsha says the coping skills she learned are still helping her today.
She believes her battle made her a stronger person -- and now she wants to help other women who face the same fight.
With a report by CTV British Columbia's Dr. Rhonda Low
