A larger proportion of patients endorsed the proposition for progression (85%) and cure (86%). The majority of respondents in the public sample endorsed the proposition that psychological factors affect cause (60%), progression (71%), and cure (72%). Each question was followed by a Likert-scale question asking respondents to estimate the strength of such an effect.
The respondents- 527 members of the public, 239 cancer patients, and 117 medical practitioners working in oncology-completed a survey questionnaire consisting of three questions in a yes/no format on whether they believed psychological factors can affect the cause, progression, and cure of cancer. The present study assessed the prevalence of this view. The view that psychological factors play a role in the onset and progression of cancer has been promoted widely in the popular media.
