The current literature suggests that approximately half to two thirds of those diag- nosed with breast cancer handle it well psychologically (Baker, Marcellus, Zabora, Pol- land, Jodrey, 1997; Spiegel, 1996). In fact, some individuals with a history of cancer report renewed vigor in their approach to life, and stronger interpersonal relationships (Anderson, 1986; Cella & Tross, 1986). For example, Tempelaar and colleagues (1989) found that cancer patients reported more positive and fewer negative social experiences than a comparison group of healthy “normals.” Further, Collins and colleagues (1990) interviewed 55 cancer patients who were within five years of the initial diagnosis or cancer recurrence and found widespread reports of.
