Stressful life events before development of breast cancer

Background: The aim of study was to describe stressful life events before development of breast cancer. Method: Retrospective chart review study of all first time hospitalized patients for breast cancer treated at the General Hospital of Nafplio, during a 3 year period. During an average of 4,1 years follow-up period, patients were assessed using standardized instruments. Results: 83 breast cancer patients were hospitalized. Stressful life events before the diagnosis of breast cancer were found in 44%. Death of significant other was present in 13%, separation/divorce 16% of patients, change of job or school in 29%, serious illness/operation in 16%, and ‘’ moving house’’ in 13% of patients, serious problems in family 22%, at work 17%, major journey 16%. Conclusion: We found that a rather large part of our patients had stressful life events before breast cancer, so we can conclude that it is an important factor, which can facilitate development of disease.