The prognostic role of cancer-specific beliefs among prostate cancer survivors

Abstract

Prostate cancer patients who reported not believing that most cancers are curable experienced poorer survival after adjusting for a wide array of prognostic factors and potential confounders. Future research to identify underlying behavioral (medical protocol adherence, lifestyle) and physiological (immune and endocrine regulation) mechanisms of this association would translate into improved intervention strategies for cancer survivors.

The impact of prostate cancer on men's everyday life

“…In comparison, some participants viewed prostate cancer as a secret disease, not associated with pain, visible swelling or incapacity. This supports other research findings (Soler-Vila et al 2011;Chojnacka-Szawlowska et al 2013), suggesting that positive psychological adjustment in patients is associated with the belief that the cancer could be effectively controlled. Conversely, where the patient believes that the cancer is incurable there is an increased likelihood of the patient experiencing increased anxiety and depression.…”

“…This supports other research findings (Soler‐Vila et al . ; Chojnacka‐Szawlowska et al . ), suggesting that positive psychological adjustment in patients is associated with the belief that the cancer could be effectively controlled.…”

Anger Proneness and Prognostic Pessimism in Men With Prostate Cancer

“…9 Over the long term, pessimistic beliefs about the curability of cancers have been linked to higher mortality over 15 years follow-up. 48 Results of this study extend prior work on the association of neuroticism with the impact of cancer-related distress. Individuals with elevated neuroticism are more prone to depression and to general distress, including worry, anxiety, and pessimistic attitudes, 49,50 and this could manifest as higher levels of worry regarding their prostate cancer care.…”