Researchers want to examine whether psychological interventions can reduce stress in these cancer patients, improve immune function, and possibly even extend patient survival. The question is whether such interventions can have biological or health consequences. Some of the interventions that will be tested in the patients include progressive muscle relaxation, training in problem solving, and use of social support. Patients will also get information about healthy diets, exercise and disease treatments and learn assertive communication skills for dealing with health care providers. Andersen said the stability of many cancer mortality rates makes it important to find innovative treatments to improve the quality of life of cancer patients.
Psychological techniques can play a role.
Psychological interventions might not only have important roles in reducing stress and improving quality of life, but also in extending survival.