"Pathopsychological status and carcinogenesis"

Abstract

Breast cancer remains by far the most common cancer affecting women worldwide, with an estimated 25% incidence rate among all female cancers. This disturbing figure is somehow mitigated by the increasing survival rates of patients with breast cancer, which are attributed mostly to improvements in diagnosis and treatment. However diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer are still associated with a negative stigma.

Depression is more than just a low mood - it's a serious condition that affects physical and mental health. It can affect a person's thoughts, behavior, feelings, and sense of well-being. The encouraging news is that there is a range of treatments, well trained health professionals and services available to help patients with depression. Depression is common in cancer patients, and this often remains undetected and untreated. The diagnosis and treatment of depression can improve the patients’ quality of life, their adherence to therapy recommendations, and the illness experience, all of which may affect survival outcomes. Several studies have addressed topics related to the occurrence of depression in breast cancer: depression might be a complication of cancer, a direct consequence of physical suffering, or a co-morbid condition between two disorders commonly reported in the general population. Chemotherapy, including long-term prophylaxis with tamoxifen, might be associated with a higher risk of developing depressive symptoms and cognitive dysfunctions. Moreover, depressive symptomatology might interfere with patients’ compliance with cancer treatment.

The importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment of depression in patients with breast cancer is well acknowledged. Although there is accumulated knowledge the recent years, several questions on treatment strategies remain unanswered.

PASCHOU Athanasia