Discussion Activity 9
This week, we applied the biopsychosocial model to cancer diagnosis and treatment. Cancer can be caused by a number of different biological, and even psychological and social factors, which is why this model is so helpful for accounting for cancer diagnosis, while simultaneously offering similarly dynamic treatments.
For this discussion, we will explore more deeply the effect of psychological and social factors on cancer diagnosis and treatment. In this module, you read several articles about the impact of these kinds of factors on cancer diagnosis and treatment. For your main post, please address the following questions:
What role do psychological and social factors play in the development of cancer? What appears to be the consensus in the medical community? Provide evidence from the articles to support your argument.
What role do psychological and social factors play in the treatment of cancer? What appears to be the consensus in the medical community? Provide evidence from the articles to support your argument.
For each question, draw on specific theories, including, but not limited to, social support, emotional health, and the relationship between stress and the immune system.
In your reply post try to draw connections between your group members’ posts and discuss what seems to be the common theme (if there is one).
Cancer Prevalence: How Many People Have Cancer?
Understanding Your Diagnosis (cancer.org)
Social Support and Physical Health (personalityresearch.org)
Emotional, Mental Health, and Mood Changes (cancer.org)
