Burgess C et al. (2005) Depression and anxiety in women with early breast cancer: five year observational cohort study. BMJ 10.1136/bmj.38343.670868.D3

An observational cohort study from the UK has measured the prevalence of depression and anxiety in women with early stage breast cancer, and has highlighted corresponding risk factors.

Burgess et al. identified 222 women with early stage breast cancer, of whom 202 (91%) completed an initial interview five months after diagnosis; 170 (77%) provided further interview data up to either five years from diagnosis or recurrence of disease. Based on standardized diagnostic criteria, the patients were classified as full case, borderline case or non-case for anxiety, depression or both.

The results showed that almost half of the women in the cohort experienced anxiety and/or depression in the year following their diagnosis of breast cancer, a prevalence twice that of the general female population. After one year, depression and anxiety returned to normal levels, but unsurprisingly, women who experienced recurrence of disease were again at risk. Previous psychological treatment predicted anxiety and/or depression in the phase immediately before and after diagnosis, as well as in the longer term; whereas lack of an intimate confiding relationship with a cohabiting partner, severely stressful life experiences unrelated to cancer, and younger age were identified as risk factors only in the longer term.

The study underlines the importance of effective psychological interventions in women diagnosed with breast cancer, and for social support when needed.