Arm Morbidity After Breast Cancer Surgery Linked With Anxiety, Depression

Regular assessment of both the physical and psychological well-being for survivors of breast cancer may help address mental health issues experienced by patients who have arm morbidity, according to a study published in Breast Cancer. Researchers conducted a cross-sectional study that included 162 survivors of breast cancer. They evaluated psychological distress status based on depression and anxiety scores via the Patient Health Questionnaire and General Anxiety Disorder. Outcomes from both diagnostic tools were assessed for severity level of psychological distress and their link with arm morbidity symptoms, relevant variables, and the duration of cancer survivorship. The study team observed that survivors of breast cancer with arm morbidities after surgery had a higher depression score (5.0 vs 4.0, P=0.011) and anxiety (3.0 vs 1.0, P=0.026) than those not experiencing arm morbidity. In addition, having a family history of cancer (P=0.022) and receiving fewer post-rehabilitation treatments (P =0.049) were associated with higher anxiety level. The level of anxiety and depression was inversely proportionate with QOL and positively associated with increased disability of arm function (P< 0.05).