Work

Spiritual Expression and Immune Status in Women with Metastatic Breast Cancer: An Exploratory Study

Year: 2001

Type: article

Abstract: This exploratory study examined relationships between spirituality and immune function in 112 women with metastatic breast cancer. Spirituality was assessed by patient reports of frequency of attendance at religious services and importance of religious or spiritual expression. White blood cell counts, absolute numbers of lymphocytes, T-lymphocyte subsets, and natural killer cells were assessed by flow cytometry. Assessments of natural killer cell activity and delayed-type hypersensitivity responses to skin test antigens provided two measures of functional immunity. In analyses controlling for demographic, disease status, and treatment variables, women who rated spiritual expression as more important had greater numbers of circulating white blood cells and total lymphocyte counts. Upon examination of relationships with lymphocyte subsets, both helper and cytotoxic T-cell counts were greater among women reporting greater spirituality.

Source: The Breast Journal

DOI: 10.1046/j.1524-4741.2001.20014.x

Authors: Sandra E. Sephton, Cheryl Koopman, Michael Schaal, Carl Thoresen, David Spiegel

Institutions: University of Louisville, Stanford University

Language: English

Topic: Religion, Spirituality, and Psychology

Subfield: Health

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, Fetzer Institute, National Institute of Mental Health, National Cancer Institute