Counselling doubles breast cancer survival chances
Women have a better chance of surviving breast cancer if they receive counselling, according to research*.
The findings from Ohio State University showed that counselling sessions covering relaxation and problem-solving techniques and offering advice on how to talk to family and friends reduced stress levels and cut the likelihood of a woman dying from breast cancer by 50 per cent.
Researchers studied 227 breast cancer patients for an average of 11 years. All received the same medical treatment, but only half additionally attended group counselling sessions.
Of the 227 breast cancer patients, the cancer recurred in 62 of them and 54 died. But of the women who took part in the counselling sessions, the death rate was half that of the other group.
Professor Barbara Andersen, who led the research, said: “The results suggest that we can help breast cancer patients make positive steps that may help them live longer.”
Many of Westfield Health’s cash plans include a 24 hour counselling and advice line, which enables policyholders to speak to a counsellor, lawyer or medical adviser at any time.
All calls made to the helpline are confidential and the caller may choose to remain anonymous. So if a Westfield policyholder calls they can trust that private information will not be divulged. This can be an important factor in giving someone the confidence to make their first call.
Some of Westfield’s plans also offer up to six face-to-face counselling sessions, which allow policyholders to talk through issues in person with a trained counsellor.
References:
* http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/3475176/Counselling-double-chances-of-surviving-breast-cancer-by-cutting-stress-levels.html - Telegraph article ‘Counselling doubles chances of surviving breast cancer by cutting stress levels.’
© Westfield Health Insurance | 2009
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