It was found in a new study that depression can significantly lower the survival chances of women with breast cancer.
Women with both breast cancer and depression are more than three times as likely to die compared to women without either condition. In comparison, breast cancer patients without depression are only 45% more likely to die than healthy women.
The combination of depression and breast cancer greatly increases the risk of death, leading to many years of life lost, according to Jagdish Khubchandani, a public health sciences professor at New Mexico State University. Khubchandani explained that the study showed depression further reduces survival rates among women with breast cancer. Unfortunately, many women with breast cancer do not receive timely or adequate mental health care.
The study analyzed data from over 4,700 women aged 45 and older. Among these women, about 5% had breast cancer, and nearly 13% had depression. The participants were followed for approximately eight years.
More than 4 million American women are living with breast cancer today. This year, more than a quarter-million women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer. A large proportion of these women suffer from depression, poor mental health, and lower quality of life, as stated by Khubchandani. The study’s results indicate that certain groups of women are more likely to have both depression and breast cancer. These groups include women with low income or education, members of racial and ethnic minorities, and those with other chronic diseases or unhealthy lifestyles.
The study was recently published in the journal Brain Sciences. Researchers emphasized that women with breast cancer need mental health support along with their cancer treatment. Khubchandani noted that many people will know someone with breast cancer during their lifetimes, and most likely, these individuals will experience poor psychological health or lower quality of life. This is partly because comprehensive health care approaches for women with cancer are lacking.
Explanation of Depression and Breast Cancer:
Depression is a common mental illness that causes persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, and various physical and emotional problems. Causes of depression can include genetics, chemical imbalances in the brain, stressful life events, and certain medications. Important symptoms are persistent sadness, fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, and thoughts of self-harm. Depression can be treated with medications like antidepressants, therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, and alternative treatments like exercise and meditation.
Breast cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the breast cells. It can be caused by genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and environmental exposures. Key symptoms include a lump in the breast, changes in breast shape, dimpling of the skin, and nipple discharge. Treatments for breast cancer include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy. Complementary treatments like acupuncture, yoga, and herbal supplements can also help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.
Key Insights:
- Depression greatly increases the risk of death in women with breast cancer.
- Women with both conditions are over three times more likely to die than women without either condition.
- The study highlights the need for mental health support for women undergoing breast cancer treatment.
- Certain groups, like those with low income or education and racial minorities, are more likely to experience both conditions.
Source: Brain Sciences Journal