A PROSPECTIVE-STUDY CONCERNING PSYCHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PATIENTS WITH BREAST-CANCER

In a prospective study we have investigated the question of predisposi ng and reactive personality traits in breast cancer patients. The desi gn of the study incorporated a prebioptic collection of data by means of an interview and psychological test questionnaires (STAI, SVF, FPI, CIP-DS), as well as follow-up questioning after a one year interval. In comparison with operated women with benign biopsy findings no unequ ivocal indications of a personality type predisposed to cancer were fo und. Both patient groups showed a high preoperative potential for anxi ety. The tendency to suppress emotions, trivialise and to display self -pity was particularly noticeable in patients with advanced tumours at the time of diagnosis. Even after the disease had run for one year, i t was not possible to demonstrate a distinct characterisation of the b reast cancer patients by psychological testing methods. An increased c oncern over health, an inclination towards resignation and social isol ation and a diminished contentment with life marked the changes that c ould be measured by psychological tests in some of the women affected.