Depression and sleep disorders are associated with early mortality in women with breast cancer in the United Kingdom

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to estimate the association between common mental disorders and mortality in breast cancer patients. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study included women aged 18–80 for whom an initial diagnosis of breast cancer was documented in one of 200 general practices in the UK between January 2008 and December 2012. The main outcome of this study was the mortality within 5 years of the index date as a function of depression, anxiety disorder, and sleep disorders, using Cox regression models. ResultsA total of 6656 women (mean age: 57.9 (standard deviation: 12.0 years)) were included in the study. Within 5 years of the index date, 461 (6.9%) of women were deceased. Depression (HR: 1.44 (95% CI: 1.17–1.78)), and sleep disorders (HR: 1.37 (95% CI: 1.02–1.84)) were significantly associated with death within 5 years. ConclusionsIt is important to treat BC patients with chronic diseases holistically and to take psychological comorbidities seriously as factors influencing the survival of patients in order to counteract the considerable mortality rate of BC patients.