Racial Differences in Depressive Symptoms and Self-Rated Health Among Breast Cancer Survivors on Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy

Abstract

The goal of this survey-based study was to examine whether aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy was associated with depressive symptoms and self-rated health among Black and White breast cancer survivors (N = 761). Results showed that among Black, but not White, breast cancer survivors current AI therapy was associated with a significant increase in the odds of both depressive symptoms (OR 3.59; 95% CI 1.01, 13.00) and poorer self-rated health (OR 3.16; 95% CI 1.06, 9.46). Presence of pain was significantly associated with increased odds of both outcomes among both groups. The findings underscore the importance of addressing not only physical but mental health among breast cancer survivors on AIs, especially those of Black race.

KEYWORDS:

• aromatase inhibitors
• breast cancer
• estrogen
• depression
• self-rated health
• endocrine therapy
• estrogen receptor positive