Predictors of psychological distress in breast cancer survivors: A biopsychosocial approach

Objective A cross-sectional study was conducted to examine the extent to which perceived social support, cortisol-awaking response (CAR) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) interact to statistically predict psychological distress in breast cancer survivors. Method Moderation analyses were performed to study the influence of some psychobiological variables on psychological distress. The sample was comprised by 80 survivor women. Results TNF-alpha moderate the relation between social support and psychological distress, with both high and moderate levels being significant. In relation to age, a negative association between social support and psychological distress was found only in younger- and middle-age women, while lower levels of CAR were associated with psychological distress in older breast cancer survivors. Conclusion This study provides a biopsychosocial approach about the predictors of psychological distress among breast cancer survivors. Social support interventions during and after treatment may help to improve women's longer-term health and quality of live during survivorship.