Growth and Resiliency in Cancer Survivors

On this installment of the Cancer Education Series, Susan Lutgendorf, Ph.D., elaborates on the science behind growth and resilience in cancer survivors.  Dr. Lutgendorf received her undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago and her Ph.D. at the University of Miami. She is a Starch Faculty Fellow and professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of Iowa. 

Dr. Lutgendorf dives into her clinical psychology background and behavioral immunology training.  “People deal with the cancer journey in many, many different ways,” she explains. Their ideas of meaning, relationships with family, and support system, and whether or not they were on the same page as their family all made a drastic difference in their journeys. “Wellbeing has to do with a sense of feeling whole… it has a social aspect, an emotional aspect, a cognitive aspect, a physical aspect,” she elaborates. Dr. Lutgendorf explains that having a sense of completeness in any of these areas all impacts one’s concept of wellbeing.

Dr. Lutgendorf shares findings from her research about the effect social support had on the clinical outcomes of patients with ovarian cancer. The study showed that perceived emotional support was the most impactful to patients. Those who felt they had support saw a significant difference in the extent of their survival and had a stronger immune response. These patients also saw lower levels of stress hormones in their tumors. 

Dr. Lutgendorf gives insight into how people with cancer can enhance their social support network. She explains that some people are really good at giving certain types of social support and may not be good at all forms of social support. Defining what type of support is needed (i.e. advice, a listening ear, etc.) can help bolster one’s support. Dr. Lutgendorf is currently conducting research on the impact of group social support skill building. In her study they work on buttressing skills like stress awareness, mitigating negative self-talk, prioritizing goals, relaxation and mindfulness, coping, and communication. Dr. Lutgendorf has also piloted research about how programs like the ones offered by Above + Beyond Cancer can impact the growth and resilience of cancer survivors. 

For more information from Dr. Lutgendorf surrounding the science behind positive benefits of social support for patients with cancer, check out this episode of the Cancer Education Series on Above + Beyond Cancer’s YouTube channel. 

Blog written by:

Shona Heywood

(she/her/hers)

BS Administrative Management, MBA Marketing

shonaheywood@gmail.com