Mind and cancer: does psychosocial intervention improve survival and psychological well-being?

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. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.