Psychosocial Factors Affecting Melanoma Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Brown J E, Butow P N, Culjak G, Coates A S, Dunn S M
Primary Institution: Medical Psychology Unit, University of Sydney
Hypothesis
Psychosocial factors can predict time to relapse and survival in early stage melanoma patients.
Conclusion
Psychosocial variables significantly influence the time to relapse and survival duration in melanoma patients.
Supporting Evidence
- 62% of invited patients agreed to participate in the study.
- 21% of participants relapsed and 14% died during the follow-up period.
- Patients who perceived their treatment aim as being cured had longer periods without relapse.
- Using avoidance as a coping strategy was linked to shorter survival duration.
Takeaway
This study found that how patients feel and cope with their illness can affect how long they live without their cancer coming back.
Methodology
Patients completed questionnaires every 3 months for 2 years, and data were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards model.
Potential Biases
Potential bias from self-reported measures and the specific patient population studied.
Limitations
The study only included patients with locoregional melanoma and relied on self-reported data.
Participant Demographics
Patients with locoregional melanoma, tumor thickness exceeding 0.69 mm, seen at the Sydney Melanoma Unit between 1991 and 1996.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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