Prevalence and Psychobiological Correlates of Depression Among Breast Cancer Patients

The diagnosis of breast cancer (BC) is associated with psychological stress. Various factors that contribute to psychological reactions are from the diagnosis of cancer to long uncertain treatment. A patient develops many fears in their mind starting after the diagnosis of cancer. Fear of cancer being an incurable disease, changes in body image, fear of death, separation from loved ones, and fear of pain all contribute to psychological disorders and most common disorders in cancer patients are mood, anxiety, depression, and sexual functional disorders. Research studies focus more on cancer. Only a few studies emphasized the coexistence of stress, depression, and the abilities of the individual to cope with such stressors. Depression is a comorbid illness to cancer, and if neglected, it may complicate the treatment of both illnesses, which will result in poor adherence to treatment and less desirable outcome of both the illnesses. Studies from this perspective can have meaningful implications, and can address both areas. Every clinician involved in the care of BC should also plan assessment of stress and depression and arrange medical treatment or coping interventions if symptoms are present. This review article aims to find the prevalence and psychobiological correlates of depressive disorder and its effect on mortality in women diagnosed with BC.