Quality of life, depressed mood, and anxiety in women presenting with locally advanced breast cancer

Abstract

8249 Background: Despite advances in breast cancer screening, the rate of women presenting with locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) has remained unchanged for the past 10 years. These women are at greater risk of dying from their disease. We hypothesize that psychosocial factors (e.g., depression and anxiety) may have an impact on their quality of life over and above the effects of treatment. Methods: We completed one-on-one interviews with clinical stage II or III breast cancer patients prior to start of breast cancer treatment. Quality of life (QOL) using the FACT-B as well as demographic variables and symptoms of depressed mood and anxiety using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and Beck Anxiety Inventory, respectively, were assessed. Results: With a targeted accrual of 40 patients in the first year (120 over 3 years), 34 have been enrolled in 10 months. The sample is 70.6% white (2.9% Hispanic), 23.5% African American, 5.9% Asian Indian or Pakistani, 70.6% married, 58.8% employed...