Stress, Coping, and Circadian Disruption Among Women Awaiting Breast Cancer Surgery ANNALS OF BEHAVIORAL MEDICINE Dedert, E., Lush, E., Chagpar, A., Dhabhar, F. S., Segerstrom, S. C., Spiegel, D., Dayyat, E., Daup, M., McMasters, K., Sephton, S. E. 2012; 44 (1): 10-20

Abstract

Psychological distress and coping related to a breast cancer diagnosis can profoundly affect psychological adjustment, possibly resulting in the disruption of circadian rest/activity and cortisol rhythms, which are prognostic for early mortality in metastatic colorectal and breast cancers, respectively.This study aims to explore the relationships of cancer-specific distress and avoidant coping with rest/activity and cortisol rhythm disruption in the period between diagnosis and breast cancer surgery.Fifty-seven presurgical breast cancer patients provided daily self-reports of cancer-specific distress and avoidant coping as well as actigraphic and salivary cortisol data.Distress and avoidant coping were related to rest/activity rhythm disruption (daytime sedentariness, inconsistent rhythms). Patients with disrupted rest/activity cycles had flattened diurnal cortisol rhythms.Maladaptive psychological responses to breast cancer diagnosis were associated with disruption of circadian rest/activity rhythms. Given that circadian cycles regulate tumor growth, we need greater understanding of possible psychosocial effects in cancer-related circadian disruption.

View details for DOI 10.1007/s12160-012-9352-y

View details for Web of Science ID 000308822700005

View details for PubMedID 22450856