A cross-cultural analysis of salivary cortisol patterns in breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Aim: In this study, we examined whether Chinese and White women with and without a history of breast cancer exhibit differences in physiological and psychological stress profiles. Methods: Diurnal and reactive salivary cortisol profiles and psychological stress patterns of 41 breast cancer survivors and 58 healthy women were assessed. Results: Breast cancer survivors displayed a blunted acute cortisol response but there was no main effect of ethnocultural membership. Subjective appraisals of stress during the acute stressor revealed a significant interaction between ethnocultural group, health status and time (p = 0.032). Conclusion: Our results support the existing literature though suggest group differences in the appraisal of stress; thus, underscoring the importance of cultural sensitivity and awareness among clinicians and existing programs.