Survival Rate of Terminal Cancer Patients Differs by 4.6 Times... Depends on 'Positive Coping Strategies'

Latest Issue of International Journal 'BMC Psychiatry'
"Jungkkeokma" (The Important Thing Is an Unbreakable Mind) Makes the Difference

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A study has found that even among patients with advanced cancer at the same stage, survival rates differ significantly depending on whether they have positive coping strategies.

According to the latest issue of the international journal 'BMC Psychiatry' published on June 19, a joint research team from Seoul National University Hospital and Hankuk University of Foreign Studies tracked and observed about 140 patients with advanced cancer whose survival period was predicted to be less than one year. The results showed that patients with low positive coping abilities and depression had a 4.6 times higher risk of death compared to those without these factors.

Positive coping strategies are behavior-based approaches such as active problem-solving, sharing experiences, and relationship-centered actions. These strategies help patients reorganize their lives proactively and prevent emotional collapse in crisis situations.

After a cancer diagnosis, patients who progress to the terminal stage are prone to psychological distress, such as loss of self and fear of death. Considering that about 30% of all cancer patients experience depressive symptoms, the importance of positive coping strategies is further emphasized.

The study participants all belonged to high-risk groups with stage 4 or recurrent cancer after treatment, including lung, liver, pancreatic, colorectal, gastric, and breast cancers. Their survival period was predicted to be less than one year. The research team assessed the patients' psychological resilience using the core strategy items of the Smart Health Management Strategy Tool (SAT-SF).

The researchers divided the level of coping strategies based on an SAT-SF score of 66.66, and classified moderate or higher depression as a PHQ-9 score of 10 or above. Physical function was evaluated using the ECOG-PS index.

Professor Jung Juyeon of Hankuk University of Foreign Studies stated, "This study is the first to statistically demonstrate that patients with low positive coping strategies and accompanying depression have the highest risk of death."

Professor Yoon Youngho of Seoul National University Hospital emphasized, "Enhancing psychological resilience is crucial for improving the survival rate of terminal cancer patients," and added, "Mental health interventions based on smart health management strategies are necessary."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.