Review: limited evidence exists on the effect of psychological coping styles on cancer survival or recurrence.

Main results 37 studies met the selection criteria. 26 studies assessed the association between psychological coping and survival from cancer, and 11 studies assessed the association between psychological coping and recurrence of cancer. Follow up periods varied from several months to 15 years. Types of cancers included breast cancer (most common diagnosis), leukaemia, melanoma, and lung and gastrointestinal cancers. Psychological coping styles assessed included fighting spirit, denial, avoidance, helplessness/hopelessness, stoic acceptance and fatalism, anxious and depressive coping, problem focused coping, and emotional focused coping. The results are summarised in the table.