Final answer:
Mood and attitude can have an impact on cancer treatment outcomes, with positive mood and attitude associated with better outcomes including improved quality of life, decreased distress, and increased survival rates.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to a systematic review published in the journal Breast Cancer Research, psychosocial factors such as mood and attitude can have an impact on cancer treatment outcomes. The review found that positive mood and attitude were associated with better treatment outcomes, including improved quality of life, decreased distress, and increased survival rates.
For example, a meta-analysis published in the American Journal of Psychiatry showed that a favorable course of illness and treatment outcome in depression were predicted by the absence of childhood maltreatment. Additionally, a study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention found that exercise had positive effects on depressive symptoms in cancer survivors, which can indirectly impact treatment outcomes.
While the exact mechanisms by which mood and attitude affect cancer treatment are not fully understood, these findings suggest that maintaining a positive mood and attitude can contribute to better treatment outcomes.