Anxiety, depression and perceived stress among breast cancer patients: single institute experience

Abstract

Background Statistics reveal that the number of women diagnosed with breast cancer is increasing in Egypt. It is seen as a terrifying disease due to its high mortality rate and its impacts on the self-image and the sexual relationship. Many of its patients experience psychological reactions and may have psychiatric morbidities. The present study aimed to identify the prevalence and associated psychosocial factors of anxiety, depressive disorders, and perceived stress among breast cancer patients in Menoufia university hospitals. This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Clinical Oncology Department, Menoufia University. Sixty patients were subjected to questionnaires for socio-demographic data, structured psychiatric clinical interview to screen for psychiatric diagnoses, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) for measuring the emotional, cognitive and motivational symptoms of depression, Manifest Anxiety Scale to assess the degree of anxiety, and Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) to assess stress level. Results The prevalence of depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and perceived stress were 68.6%, 73.3%, and 78.1% respectively. Moderate to severe anxiety, depression, and stress were more prevalent among advanced disease patients, patients who underwent surgery, married patients, patients who were living in rural areas, illiterate, and those without satisfactory income but without statistically significant difference except for the effect of occupation on the anxiety state as unemployed patients had significantly higher prevalence of moderate to severe anxiety (100%) than employed patients p = 0.003. Conclusion Depressive disorders, anxiety, and perceived stress are common psychiatric disorders among the studied breast cancer patients. Understanding these common psychiatric disorders and associated stress can help to plan for their management.

Evaluating the association of self-reported psychological distress and self-rated health on survival times among women with breast cancer in the U.S.

“…Psychological distress compounded the direct burden of breast cancer borne by these patients, manifesting commonly with non-specific symptoms of mood disorders, anxiety, and depression [ 5 , 6 ]. Psychological distress, defined as the overburden or the inability to cope with negative affect-eliciting events [ 7 ], is most commonly experienced at the time of breast cancer diagnosis [ 8 , 9 ], but may persist longer and contribute to the emergence of other chronic co-morbid conditions [ 9 ]. A recent study has demonstrated that mortality from other coexisting chronic causes exceeds mortality from primary breast cancer disease [ 10 ].…”

“…A recent study has demonstrated that mortality from other coexisting chronic causes exceeds mortality from primary breast cancer disease [ 10 ]. Hospital-based studies have estimated that psychological distress among women with breast cancer diagnosis range widely from 30% to 75% [ 8 , 9 ].…”

Factors Affecting Shared Decision-Making in Breast Cancer Surgeries: Egyptian Perspective

“…Egypt enjoys a particular cultural context that affects the SDM process; one of the considerations facing women undergoing breast cancer surgeries in Egypt is their perception of the impact of the surgery on their body image, femininity, and sexuality (Mortada et al, 2018). Additionally, women in Egypt usually perceive breast cancer diagnosis as a major threat to their lives (Alagizy et al, 2020). Another essential factor that affects the SDM process is the partner's role in the decisionmaking process.…”

A Study of Depression, Quality of Life and Breast Cancer

“…However, about 20% to 30% of breast cancer patients experience anxiety, depression, impaired functioning, and low self-esteem following diagnosis. Given the time and method of examination, these effects can persist for a long period of time after detection and treatment and are more common in younger women [6].…”