Breast Cancer Survivorship and Clinical Depression

Objectives: The experience of breast cancer diagnosis and treatment has many psychological and emotional ramifications. With approximately one in five breast cancer survivors meeting criteria for a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), it has become crucial for clinicians to increase their awareness of the battle towards survivorship and the psychosocial impact of breast cancer diagnosis and its treatment. Method: The study was reviewed by searching scientific articles and books and resources have been made. Results: There appeared to be a significant and positive association among depressive symptoms, MDD, and QoL among breast cancer survivors, with some evidence that they influence treatment outcomes and mortality. These factors influence treatment adherence, immune functioning, and survival rates in this population. In order for clinicians to be able to comprehensively treat breast cancer survivors, they need to increase their awareness of how breast cancer diagnosis and treatment impacts the psychosocial functioning of the individual as well as her family, and social network. Results of the literature review indicate a strong need for medical and mental health practitioners to pay closer attention to the psychological and emotional ramifications of breast cancer diagnosis and its treatment on a woman’s life, as well as that of her family. From these findings, several recommendations to identify and assess for psychological distress and depression emerged: building a trusting relationship with the patient, asking questions regarding the presence of social and/or emotional support, and even asking questions regarding what brings the patient joy in her life as a way to assess the patient’s current quality of life. Many of the findings regarding the impact of MDD among breast cancer survivorship and recommendations for clinical practice can also be generalized for use among other medical illnesses, including other chronic and/or terminal illnesses such as other cancers and HIV/AIDS. The recommendations allow for clinicians to provide comprehensive medical and mental health care to individuals who are facing a life threatening illness and may experience the same physical and psychosocial symptoms as women who have survived breast cancer. Conclusion: If the health care team has an increased awareness of how MDD manifests in breast cancer survivors, they may be able to help more survivors seek and receive treatment and therefore improve quality of life, prognosis, andreduce rates of mortality within this population of women.

Keywords:

breast cancer , Major Depressive Disorder , breast cancer survivors , quality of life , survival rates