Since 1983, studies have suggested an interaction between the severe life events, psychological distress and the etiology of Cancer. However, these associations are still under dispute.The aim of the present study was to examine the relationship between life events, psychological distress and Breast Cancer (BC) among young women. Methods:A case control study. The study population included 622 women, under the age of 45 years. 255 were diagnosed for BC, and 367 were healthy women. A validated Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and Life Event Questionnaire were used. Results:The cases presented significantly higher scores of depression compared to the controls and significant lower scores of happiness and optimism. A significant difference was found when comparing the groups according to the cumulative number of life events (two or more events). A multivariate analysis suggest that exposure to more than one life event is positively associated with BC [Odds Ratio(OR) :1.62 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.09-2.40], and that a general feeling of happiness and optimism has a "protective effect" on the etiology of BC. (OR-0.75, 95% CI:0.64-0.86). Conclusion:Young women who were exposed to a number of life events, should be considered as a risk group for BC and treated accordingly.

The study of the Hol (Holocaust)

No abstract

SynopsisResults are reported from a large population study (of working people) comparing Holocaust survivors and a control group in regard to emotional distress, satisfaction in life and psychosomatic symptoms. It was found that, even 40 years after the traumatic experience, this group of survivors exhibited a slightly higher degree of emotional disorders than controls who were not under Nazi occupation during WWII. These long-term effects were usually more prominent in women than in men, and the relationship to age was minimal.