Mental adjustment to cancer and quality of life in breast cancer patients: An exploratory study

This study explores the relationship between adjustment to cancer and quality of life in a sample of 68 newly diagnosed non-metastatic breast cancer patients. Responses were assessed on three occasions following communication of the diagnosis and included the Mental Adjustment to Cancer (MAC) scale, a measure of denial and a Spanish quality of life questionnaire for breast cancer patients. Appropriate medical variables were considered and included in the analysis. MAC subscales showed adequate internal consistency; nevertheless, there was overlap between subscales and a second order factorial analysis suggested that two dimensions (‘perceived threat’ and ‘perceived control’) suffice to desc…