Study suggests that depression could increase mortality risk in breast cancer patients

Depression Can Increase Mortality Risk in Breast Cancer Patients

New Delhi, April 8 (IANS) Depression can significantly raise the risk of death in women with breast cancer — the most common cancer among females, and a leading cause of death globally — finds a study on Monday. Researchers from Russia analysed studies between 1977 and 2018 on the impact of depression on survival rates and quality of life for women diagnosed with breast cancer.

The findings revealed that the reported prevalence of depression among breast cancer patients varied from 4.5% to 38%. Those with early-stage cancer and depression had a 2-2.5-fold increase in breast cancer-specific and all-cause mortality. Additionally, women with non-metastatic breast cancer faced a 2.5 times greater risk of death within 8-15 years.

Both depression and anxiety were found to negatively impact survival rates and reduce the quality of life for breast cancer patients. Professor Ilgiz G. Gataullin from Kazan State Medical Academy, Russia, emphasized the need for further research to develop methods for screening and treatment, stating that psychotherapy and antidepressants may help reduce the risk of psychological distress.