According to researchers, women who receive emotional support in tandem with relaxation and stress reduction techniques after a recurrence of breast cancer live an average of six months longer than those without such support.

227 women who had been diagnosed with Stage II or III cancer were given therapy that helped them feel better emotionally during treatment and provided them with effective coping strategies.

Barbara Anderson, psychology professor at Ohio State University emphasized in a phone interview that the information and life skills the women received went beyond a “traditional” support group where people talk about what’s bothering them.

In addition to talking about what their specific stressors, the women were given strategies on handling those stressors, as well as information on how to assess the strengths of individuals in their personal support networks (Reuters).

From a financial standpoint, Anderson realizes that most women suffering from breast cancer would be able to have such support; she hopes, however, that insurance companies and hospitals will consider adding these services in the future.

For those who do not have access to that kind of professional support, the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Survivors Network is an online resource that provides information and encouragement from professionals and other cancer patients.The site is dedicated to helping cancer survivors “live life to the fullest one day at a time.” For more information, go to the American Cancer Society.