Depression, Anxiety and Quality of Life of Women with Breast Cancer

Purpose: The primary aim of this research was to detect and to assess anxiety, depression in women with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy. The study was conducted in the Department of Radiotherapy at the University Hospital of Heraklion, Crete during October 2015 and April 2016.

Methods: A total number of 120 women diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer were recruited for this cross-sectional survey. Following informed consent, patients were asked to complete a demographics and clinical data questionnaire comprising with, the Dass-21 scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale- HADS. Data was analyzed using IBM SPSS software system.

Results: The incidence of depression and anxiety for breast cancer patients is high. Results highlight similar prevalence of depression with HADS (37.5% mild and moderate depression and 62.5% serious depression) DASS-21 (39.2% mild and moderate 60.8% serious depression) but not similar for anxiety.

Conclusion: The psychological complications in breast cancer patients is remarkable. Efforts to detect and treat depression and anxiety should be a priority, since they contribute to better tolerance and effectiveness in anti-neoplasmatic therapies.