Effects of coping skills training program on immune system and pain in breast cancer patients

Introduction: Breast cancer can cause of many problems in physical, mental and social performance, including pain and can cause reduced quality of life. The aim of this study is the effect of coping skills training program on immune system and pain in breast cancer patients residing in the city of Dezful (Iran). Materials and Methods: This study id a quasi-experimental research design with pretest - posttest control group. During an informal invitation 34 patients enrolled in the study were eligible. The patients were randomly divided into experiment and control groups (each group include 17 subjects). Experiment group were received 8 sessions 1.5 h weekly of coping skills program. Participants completed brief pain questionnaire (BPI) and their NK activity was measured by MTT assay before and after starting the program. Results: The results suggested that experiment group showed higher NK activity. Also the pain severity and interference in daily functioning were reduced in experiment group compared to the control group. Conclusion: These data indicates that coping training caused enhancement of immune system and diminish the pain in the experiment group. Keywords: Coping, Immune System, Natural Killer Cells, Pain, Breast Cancer