Loss of partner and breast cancer prognosis: a population-based study, Denmark, 1994-2010

BACKGROUND: The extent to which experiencing a stressful life event influences breast cancer prognosis remains unknown, as the findings of the few previous epidemiological studies are inconsistent. This large population-based study examines the association between a common major life event, loss of a partner and breast cancer recurrence and all-cause mortality.

METHODS: N=21,213 women diagnosed with a first primary breast cancer 1994-2006, who had a cohabiting partner in the 4 years before their breast cancer diagnosis, were followed for death and recurrence in population-based registers and clinical databases. Information on education, disposable income, comorbidity and prognostic risk factors were included in Cox regression analyses.

RESULTS: Women who had lost a partner either before diagnosis or in subsequent years were not at significantly higher risk of recurrence or dying than women who had not lost a partner.

CONCLUSION: Our results do not support the concern that experiencing a stressful life event, the loss of a partner, negatively affects prognosis of breast cancer.