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The effects of avoidance on cytotoxic/suppressor T cells in women with cervical lesions
Author(s) -
Fang Carolyn Y.,
Miller Suzanne M.,
Mills Megan,
Mangan Charles E.,
Belch Richard,
Campbell Donald E.,
Douglas Steven D.
Publication year - 2003
Publication title -
psycho‐oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.41
H-Index - 137
eISSN - 1099-1611
pISSN - 1057-9249
DOI - 10.1002/pon.680
Subject(s) - colposcopy , cytotoxic t cell , confounding , medicine , depression (economics) , cd8 , oncology , cervical cancer , immune system , clinical psychology , physiology , psychology , immunology , cancer , biology , biochemistry , macroeconomics , economics , in vitro
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between avoidant and intrusive ideation about cancer risk and immune responses among women with mild cervical dysplasia. Participants were 54 women undergoing diagnostic follow‐up (i.e. colposcopy) for an abnormal Pap smear test result. Baseline assessments, collected prior to the colposcopy appointment, included demographic and medical history, levels of depression, and the intrusion and avoidance subscales of the Revised Impact of Events Scale. In addition, a sample of blood was obtained at baseline and 6‐month follow‐up for immune assessments. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that higher levels of cognitive and behavioral avoidance at baseline predicted a significantly lower percentage of circulating cytotoxic/suppressor T cells (CD3 + /CD8 + ) at 6‐month follow‐up, after controlling for baseline levels of cytotoxic/suppressor T cells and potential confounding variables (e.g. age, smoking status). Baseline intrusive ideation was unrelated to changes in percentage of cytotoxic/suppressor T cells. Avoidant ideation, but not intrusive ideation or depression, appears to be associated with alterations in immunologic measures in women with cervical lesions. The findings suggest that it may be important to evaluate the impact of cognitive and behavioral avoidance on progression of precancerous cervical lesions. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.