Subclinical Psychological Distress in Long-Term Survivors of Breast Cancer

Abstract

Research on the psychosocial adjustment of cancer patients in remission remains limited. Only recently has the potential for significant long-term psychological morbidity in survivors been recognized. This study reports the preliminary results of an ongoing study designed to evaluate the emotional status of long-term survivors of breast cancer compared with women who underwent low-risk breast cancer screening. The patients had no history of a psychiatric diagnosis. The Beck Depression Inventory and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory were administered. Although the mean level of endorsement of depressive symptoms was within normal limits, it was significantly higher than in the breast screening group. The incidence of mild anxiety was also higher in the breast cancer group. The preliminary results showed that mild emotional distress persisted in disease-free women five years and longer after the diagnosis of breast cancer. Further study is needed to assess the degree to which other psychosocial factors may contribute to this increased emotional distress in breast cancer survivors.