Depression is a common mental health condition, affecting millions of people worldwide. While its impact on daily life can be significant, research has found a concerning link between depression and breast cancer mortality rates. Indeed, a recent study has revealed that women diagnosed with depression before or after their breast cancer diagnosis have a higher risk of dying from it than those without the condition. This article will explore this study in further detail, highlighting the potential implications of depression on breast cancer outcomes and the importance of addressing psychological well-being alongside physical health.
According to a study published in Cancer, depression before and after a breast cancer diagnosis was associated with worse survival outcomes. As many as 25% of patients with breast cancer experience depression, which may affect adherence to guideline‐recommended treatment, but data are limited on associations of timing of depression diagnosis with cancer treatment and survival. For this reason, researchers examined data on 6,054 women diagnosed with primary invasive breast cancer and included in the Kentucky Cancer Registry between 2007 and 2011. Researchers used multivariable logistic regression and Cox regression to examine the impact of depression on receipt of guideline‐recommended treatment and survival. For the purpose of this study, researchers classified women as having no depression, depression diagnosis only before cancer diagnosis, depression only after cancer diagnosis, or persistent depression. Overall, 29.2% of women did not receive guideline-recommended cancer treatment, and only women with depression before diagnosis had lower odds for receiving guideline-recommended treatment than women with no depression. Odds of worse survival outcomes appeared higher among women with depression before diagnosis and after diagnosis.
However, patients with persistent depression did not experience worse survival compared with patients with no depression. Researchers concluded that this result suggests the importance of depression screening and management throughout a cancer patient’s care, as persistent depression could be an indication that patients’ depression may have been well managed. The use of linked health claims data and cancer registry data demonstrated the value of data linkages across various sources for examining potential health disparities and identifying where improvements in cancer care are needed. This study indicates that early detection and continued management of depression are imperative to improve patient survival outcomes, and more rigorous studies are needed in depression management and across various cancer sites and patient populations. Results from these research studies may further shape policies and guidelines for depression management in cancer care.
In conclusion, it is important for individuals diagnosed with depression to seek the necessary support and treatment to manage their condition. The link between depression and higher risk for breast cancer death highlights the importance of early detection and effective management of both conditions. By addressing depression and seeking the appropriate medical attention, individuals can potentially reduce their risk of breast cancer mortality. It is our hope that this information raises awareness about the connection between depression and breast cancer, and encourages individuals to prioritize their mental and physical well-being.
