Mental Health Status among Patients with Breast Cancer Attending a Tertiary Care Cancer Hospital in Mysuru, Karnataka, India

Introduction: Diagnosis of breast cancer by itself is a distressing event for women. The Negative emotions often makes them neglect their food intake, healthy physical and social activities. Fear of uncontrolled pain, death, family and loved ones after death leads to symptoms of anxiety. This needs to be addressed for which assessment of depression and anxiety among them is needed.

Methodology: Across-sectional study conducted among 210 women suffering from breast cancer since 6 months. Validated questionnaire Patient Health Questionnaire 9(PHQ9) and General Anxiety Disorder 7(GAD 7) questionnaires were used to assess depression and anxiety among patients respectively. Association of these symptoms with socioeconomic factors and quality of life was assessed using inferential statistics chi-square and one way ANOVAs. P value of less than 0.05 is considered as significant.

Results: Among 210 Breast cancer patients, 121(57.6%) women had depression and Anxiety was seen among 186(88.5%) of participants. Severe depression was seen more in Stage IV and women diagnosed more than 3 years back. Fatigue and Breast specific side effects were associated with depression. Nausea & vomiting, Pain, Dyspnea, Loss of Appetite and Insomnia are more in women with severe Anxiety

Conclusion: A comprehensive therapy where multi-disciplinary approaches like clinical, psychological along with physiotherapy, social support, financial support, home based nursing care.