A recent study published in the Brain Sciences Journal found a strong link between depression and survival rates among women with breast cancer, finding that women suffering from both conditions are more than three times more likely to suffer mortality than those without either. The findings emphasize the significant need for integrating mental health care into cancer treatment approaches.
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Elevated Threat for Women with Both Conditions
The study, led by Jagdish Khubchandani, a professor of public health sciences at New Mexico State University, analyzed data from more than 4,700 women aged 45 and over. It was discovered that women with breast cancer and depression have a higher chance of death than their counterparts without either of these conditions. Breast cancer cases who are not diagnosed with depression are only 45% more likely to witness death than healthy women.”
The combination increases the risk of death significantly, resulting in thousands of years of life lost,” Khubchandani remarked in a university news release. She stressed that multiple women with breast cancer do not receive timely or effective mental health care, similar to depression, which increases their risk of survival.
Study Findings
The study followed participants for eight years, with around 5 suffering from breast cancer and nearly 13 undergoing depression. According to the study, women with lower incomes or education levels, racial and ethnic minorities, and those with other chronic diseases or ill lifestyles are more likely to have both breast cancer and depression.
The study also finds that factors like cardiovascular conditions, anemia, smoking, age, PIR, and marital status influence this risk. It emphasizes the need for integrated healthcare practices to screen and treat depression among the survivors. ” More than 4 million American women are living with breast cancer now, and more than a quarter-million will be diagnosed this year,” she said.
Understanding Depression among Cancer Patients
Depression in cancer cases can be a complex problem resulting from both psychological and physiological factors. The diagnosis of cancer can induce feelings of helplessness, despair, and worthlessness, exacerbating depressive symptoms. These feelings can be increased by the physical and mental toll of cancer therapies like chemotherapy and radiation, which can have serious side effects and physical changes.
To overcome depression, cancer patients must be conscious of their emotions and seek help. According to the study, people who openly express their thoughts and seek help are less likely to develop depression. Maintaining close connections with loved ones and actively partaking in one’s treatment plan can have a huge emotional impact.
Physical exercise is another important aspect of treating depression. Exercise raises levels of endorphins in the brain, which are natural mood boosters that can help neutralize the negative effects of cancer and its therapies.
Professional Interventions
In cases where depression is severe, professional interventions such as psychotherapy and antidepressant specifics are frequently necessary. Psychotherapy can help patients process their feelings and develop coping strategies, while specifics like Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) can address biochemical imbalances in the brain.
Anyone coping with cancer runs the danger of developing depression, stressed Khubchandani. “Fortunately, there are efficient treatments for it, and patients must seek help and support.”
