Prevalence and determinants of anxiety and depression in long-term breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Background There is a significant number of long-term breast cancer survivors in Germany. However, research on the psychological challenges of cancer survivors is limited. This analysis describes prevalence, development and determinants of depression and anxiety 5 to 6 years after diagnosis and identifies predictors for an increase of anxiety and depression over time. Methods Data from 164 women was collected by survey and tumour documentation during post-operative hospital stay, 40 weeks and 5 to 6 years after diagnosis. Anxiety and depression were measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Sankey-diagrams were created for visual presentation of prevalence over time. Logistic and linear regression models were calculated to identify determinants of anxiety and depression. Results Respondents had higher levels of depression and anxiety 5 to 6 years than 40 weeks after the diagnosis. Lower vocational status and having children were associated with depression, surgery type was correlated with anxiety, and age, as well as comorbidities, were predictors for both anxiety and depression 5 to 6 years after diagnosis. An increase of depression over time was more likely when having children and comorbidities. An increase in anxiety was less likely after cancer recurrence. Conclusions Findings highlight that anxiety and depression are relevant burdens for breast cancer survivors in Germany. Several sociodemographic and clinical predictors are identified. There is need for psychosocial support after acute treatment and in the long-term. Research on psychological burdens of long-term breast cancer survivors in the identified vulnerable groups is needed.

Anxiety and depression status prior to radioactive iodine therapy among differentiated thyroid cancer patients during the COVID‑19 epidemic

“…Cancer patients not only have physical symptoms due to the disease itself and treatment process, but also suffer from psychological distress caused by economic burden and social factors (34). Thus, cancer patients probable were in varying degree negative psychological states, such as anxiety and depression (39)(40)(41)(42). Psychological symptoms including anxiety and depression could cause the declined of treatment adherence in cancer patients.…”

Depression and anxiety in women with malignant ovarian germ cell (MOGCT) and sex cord stromal tumors (SCST): an analysis of the AGO-CORSETT database

“…This might explain the lower incidence of severe mental distress in MOGCT patients, who did not receive fertility-conserving treatment. Data from breast cancer patients show that a tumor recurrence does not lead to more distress in cancer survivors [31]. The authors hypothesized that coping phases might then be started over again not admitting anxiety to one self and only self-admitted anxiety is measured by HADS.…”

Digital and Interactive Health Interventions Minimize the Physical and Psychological Impact of Breast Cancer, Increasing Women’s Quality of Life: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Anxiety and depression are two representative emotional disorders in these patients [ 20 ]. One in three women with BC presents with an anxiety disorder more than 5 years after diagnosis [ 21 , 22 ], which may negatively affect treatment, recurrence, and mortality [ 23 ]. A negative psychological status impairs social relationships, intimacy in couples, and work life.…”