Correlation between therapeutic treatment and negative emotions in women with a history of breast cancer.

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in women worldwide, and anxiety and depression are the most common negative emotions in women suffering from this type of malignant disease. Many of these patients seek medical help only when the disease has already reached an advanced or terminal stage, mainly due to social stigma, lack of information and public awareness, as well as fear of diagnosis. This delayed pursuit of medical care significantly reduces the chances of successful treatment.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the psychological burden among women with a history of breast cancer undergoing treatment, as well as the effects of psychosocial factors on this burden.

Material and method: This is a quantitative study. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale was used to support this study. The HADS scale includes a total of 14 questions on a 4-point Likert scale. It is designed to measure anxiety and depression. The first 7 questions concern the assessment of anxiety disorder and the remaining 7 concern the assessment of depression. Participants were informed about the purpose of the study and completed the relevant consent form.

Results: The majority of participants were married (43%). The average age was 52.15 years and 29% were smokers. Seventy-seven percent had undergone surgery, while 54% were undergoing treatment (chemotherapy, hormone therapy). The women exhibited "mild" to "moderate" anxiety and depression. Unmarried and divorced women had higher levels of depression. Women with children had lower rates of disorder, while those with "poor" or "very poor" financial status had higher levels of depression. Women who completed their treatment had higher rates of potential disorder.

Conclusions: The present study highlighted the importance of psychosocial factors in the psychological burden experienced by women with breast cancer, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to their care and the integration of psychological support into the treatment process.

Keywords: breast cancer, emotions, depression, anxiety, treatment, psychological effects.