Abstract
The aim of this review was to evaluate the scientific evidence for an effect of psychosocial
intervention on survival from cancer and well-being and in particular on anxiety and
depression. A literature search yielded 43 randomised studies of psychosocial intervention.
Four of the eight studies in which survival was assessed showed a significant effect,
and the effect on anxiety and depression was also inconsistent, indicating three possible
explanations: (i) only some of the intervention strategies affect prognosis and/or
well-being and in only certain patient groups; (ii) the effect was weak, so that inconsistent
results were found in the generally small study populations; or (iii) the effect was
diluted by the inclusion of unselected patient groups rather than being restricted
to patients in need of psychosocial support. Thus, large-scale studies with sound
methods are needed in which eligible patients are screened for distress. Meanwhile,
the question of whether psychosocial intervention among cancer patients has a beneficial
effect remains unresolved.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
April 8,
2002
Received in revised form:
January 8,
2002
Received:
December 5,
2001
Identification
Copyright
© 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
