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Does group interaction affect recovery?

Page last modified on: August 18, 2008
Question from janice: Could you elaborate on the most beneficial areas of group interaction that affect recovery/recurrence in your most recent studies?
Answer —David Spiegel, Ph.D.: We are not certain. We are actually doing active research on that. I think some of the most critical pieces are creating a new network of social support so you feel less alone. Expressing emotion, dealing with feelings that are otherwise hard to deal with, taking fears head on. Talking about fears, dying, death or disease recurrence and improving communication with family and physicians and some of the self-management skills that we've talked about. I think those are important components of good group support.

On Wednesday, October 18, 2000, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Feelings about Breast Cancer. David Spiegel, Ph.D. and moderator Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about the emotional effects of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment.


The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

David Spiegel, Ph.D.David Spiegel, Ph.D. is professor and associate chairman of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

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