Psychosocial well-being assessment in women with breast cancer.

Abstract

207 Background: A breast cancer (BC) diagnosis can affect psychosocial wellbeing. The goal of the current study is to identify the severity of and specific risk factors for depression, anxiety, and quality of life impairment in a sample of BC patients. Early identification of at risk individuals can expedite appropriate referrals and interventions. Methods: Data from 53 female BC patients referred to a Behavioral Medicine service at a large academic medical center in 2013-2015 by medical providers who identified distress at routine clinic visits were analyzed. Patients completed the Center for Epidemiology Studies Depression Scale, State Trait Anxiety Inventory, McGill Pain Questionnaire, and the Short Form 12 Quality of Life Inventory as part of their initial assessment following referral. Demographic factors, disease and treatment related factors were analyzed for correlation with psychosocial wellbeing. Results: Mean age was 52. The majority of the population were Caucasian (79%), and 53% were married. All stages of disease were represented. Significant depression, anxiety and psychological quality of life impairment were seen in 53%, 50%, and 39% of patients respectively. There was a trend towards a significant difference in higher anxiety scores in patients who were not on chemotherapy (M=44.2, SD 5.4) compared to those on chemotherapy at the time of assessment (M=38.54, SD 9.3; t (51) = -1.94 p=0.077). A positive correlation was seen between depression and pain scores (r 0.294, p=0.038). Depression and psychological quality of life scores were negatively correlated (r -0.632 p<0.001), as were pain and physical quality of life scores (r -.343, p 0.024). There was no correlation between higher rates of depression or anxiety with type of surgical intervention or stage of disease. Conclusions: Significant depression, anxiety and quality of life impairment were seen in a large percentage of BC patients referred to Behavioral Medicine for perceived distress, regardless of type of surgery and disease stage. Higher rates of anxiety were seen in patients referred while not on chemotherapy compared to patients who were on chemotherapy at the time of referral. Early referral is the key to proper identification and treatment of high risk individuals.