Open AccessFriendship and Cancer
Author(s) -
Rebecca Evans,
Pascal Mallet,
Cécile Bazillier,
Phillipe Amiel
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
reviews in health care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2038-6702
pISSN - 2038-6699
DOI - 10.7175/rhc.v6i2.1171
Subject(s) - friendship , medicine , context (archaeology) , battle , cancer , social psychology , psychology , history , archaeology , paleontology , biology
Friendships are a powerful healing force for physical and mental illness. The study of the role of friendship for cancer patients has been relatively neglected and academic evidence-based studies are lacking. A literature review of research was performed linking cancer with friendships and social support (other than that provided by family members or members of medical staff). Some studies report the importance of friendships formed amongst young children and often in a school context; fewer studies have focused on friendships amongst adults with cancer. Direct links between friendships formed and/or maintained amongst cancer patients and their precise effects on an individual’s battle with cancer have yet to be explored.