Factors influencing psychological wellbeing of early breast cancer patients

Abstract

Aim

This paper aims to identify factors that influence the psychological wellbeing of patients newly diagnosed with localized breast cancer.

Background

Psychological wellbeing plays a significant part in the personal experience of patients during their cancer journey. However, despite progress in treatments and outcomes in breast cancer, psychosocial services and emotional support of cancer patients have been given less attention.

Materials and methods

Data were collected through a retrospective review of 274 charts of women diagnosed with breast cancer between 2012 and 2017 that received care in a single cancer center. Disease specific parameters, social and demographic variables, and Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) scores were extracted from the patient charts.

Results

Self-reported scores of psychological-related symptoms were low (suggesting no or minimal psychological distress) at baseline and remained low in the majority of patients with breast cancer. Pain, depression, anxiety and wellbeing scores of 0–2 were observed in 78.5%, 81.4%, 63.5% and 70.1% of patients, respectively. Higher scores of anxiety at baseline were observed in patients with physical restrictions on the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) (14.9%), current smoking (20.5%) and history of mental illness (19.1%). Increasing scores for pain were observed in older patients during treatment as compared to baseline. Mastectomy was associated with increased scores for wellbeing (worsening wellbeing) as compared to lumpectomy. Of the patients with a history of mental illness (17.3%), 19.1% had more often increased scores for anxiety.

Conclusions

The findings highlight patients that may benefit from additional social and psychological supports at diagnosis and while undergoing treatment.