Diagnosis Update and Treatment of Depression in Breast Cancer Survivor

Abstract

Individuals suffering from breast cancer or those who have overcome it may experience symptoms such as despondency, despair, apprehension, and a feeling of void. The aim of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis and treatment advancements for depression in people who have been diagnosed with and survived breast cancer. The prevalence of depressive symptoms and their association with patients' and survivors' quality of life were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8). Depression has a robust association with quality of life. Several clinical care guidelines for cancer patients with co-morbid distress have highlighted the importance of screening and detection. According to the ASCO guidelines, healthcare facilities should create networks of referral sources or appropriate resources to efficiently handle patients' concerns about screening measures, in addition to doing screenings. The availability of screening or treatment depends directly on the financial resources of the institutions that provide them. Ultimately, due to the continuous advancements in breast cancer treatments, a significant number of individuals who have survived breast cancer will need prompt intervention to manage the long-term consequences of the illness. Survivors of breast cancer nevertheless encounter a significant health hazard in the form of depression, which endures long after the completion of therapy.