Risk Factors and Predictive Value of Depression and Anxiety in Cervical Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Women with cervical cancer may experience depression or anxiety, influencing their quality of life and even their adherence to cancer treatments. This study aimed to explore and measure the levels of anxiety and depression in patients suffering from cervical cancer and to identify the possible predictors among known risk factors such as age, cancer stage, smoking status, number of partners, use of contraceptives, and annual gynecological visits. Materials and Methods: In total, 59 patients with cervical cancer were included. A consecutive sampling method was used to select participants in this research. Depression and anxiety were assessed using the Zung Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Zung Depression Scale (SDS). The subjects were divided into three groups, according to the stage of cancer. Results: Scores of depression and anxiety were increased in all recruited cervical cancer patients. A significant correlation was found between disease stage and the scores of depression (p = 0.002) and anxiety (p = 0.016). More severe depressive symptoms correlated to a more advanced stage of the disease. A multiple linear regression showed that disease stage and annual visits to the gynecologist are the risk factors associated with higher depression scores. Conclusions: Patients diagnosed with cervical cancer are a vulnerable group for the development of the psychiatric disorders and they require screening programs, which could potentially detect candidates for co-psychiatric and/or psychotherapeutic treatment. They demand particular attention because anxiety and depression are associated with the significant burden of the underlying disease and unfavorable survival rates.

Use of ketamine for depression and suicidality in cancer and terminal patients: Review of current data

“…If a patient with cancer also has been diagnosed with a substance use disorder or other mental health disorder, the risk of suicide may be further increased [25] . Lastly, the prevalence of depression and suicidality in cancer patients may depend on prognostic factors such as the type of cancer, location, stage and treatment modality [26] – [28] . For example, patients with advanced cancer or those receiving palliative care may have a higher prevalence of depressive syndromes and/or suicidality than those with early-stage cancer or those receiving treatment.…”

Quality of life and its related-influencing factors in patients with cervical cancer based on the scale QLICP-CE(V2.0)

“…It has an important influence on the quality of life of patients with cervical cancer, and the patients with late cervical cancer stage have a poor quality of life. However, some studies suggest that stage has little influence on quality of life in patients with cervical cancer [ 36 ]. Cervical cancer patients are clinically characterized by irregular vaginal bleeding and abnormal leucorrhea.…”

Effect of guided imagery relaxation on anxiety in cervical cancer: randomized clinical trial

“…The presence of a partner is associated with a lower incidence of anxiety, early detection, and better prognosis. In unmarried women, there is an increased risk of delayed diagnosis, lower survival, and economic and educational insufficiency related to delayed treatment ( 8 , 12 , 26 - 27 ) .…”

“…Anxiety and other psychological distress are prevalent in modern societies and women affected by CC are at higher risk of mortality ( 7 - 8 ) . It is an individual feeling about an uncertain future, an unpleasant emotion caused by intrusive thoughts.…”