Social integration and survival after diagnosis of colorectal cancer.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although larger social networks have been associated with lower all-cause mortality, few studies have examined whether social integration predicts survival outcomes among patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). The authors examined the association between social ties and survival after CRC diagnosis in a prospective cohort study.

Methods

Participants included 896 women in the Nurses' Health Study who were diagnosed with stage I, II, or III CRC between 1992 and 2012. Stage was assigned using the American Joint Committee on Cancer criteria. Social integration was assessed every 4 years since 1992 using the Berkman-Syme Social Network Index, which included marital status, social network size, contact frequency, religious participation, and other social group participa

SUBMITTER: Sarma EA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5800969 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature