R.A. Starostin1, 2, I.G. Gataullin3, S.V. Kuzmina4
1Klinika Druzhkovykh LLC, Kazan
2Republican Clinical Oncology Dispensary named after Prof. M.Z. Sigal, Kazan
3Kazan State Medical Academy – Branch Campus of the FSBEI FPE RMACPE MOH Russia, Kazan
4Kazan State Medical University, Kazan
Starostin R.A. – oncologist
31 Sibgata Khakima St., 421001, Kazan, Russian Federation, tel.: +7-903-388-10-18, e-mail: rus.starostin@gmail.com
Abstract. Depression and anxiety are common comorbidities in patients with breast cancer (BC). In 2022, breast cancer ranked 2nd in terms of the number of cases among both sexes in the world, keeping the 1st place in Russia and Europe (EU-27). Taking into account these statistics, it can be confidently stated that the mentioned pathologies (depression, anxiety and BC) affect all segments of the population, regardless of the standard of living and level of education. We conducted an analytical review of sources from the databases of international and Russian studies – PUBMED, e-library, Cyberleninka, and Scopus, from 1977 to 2018. Inclusion criteria were: clinical studies with 100 or more patients with breast cancer assessing the prevalence of anxiety-depressive spectrum disorders. The registered prevalence of depression ranges from 4.5 to 38%. Most studies included patients after anti-cancer treatment. According to the analyzed literature, depression reduces the quality of life of cancer patients, reduces survival and negatively affects adherence to treatment. Depression is common in patients with advanced BC, which often goes unnoticed. Early diagnosis of affective symptoms at the stage of BC diagnosing in women is relevant. Screening for depressive spectrum disorders in all patients with BC at the stage of cytologically or histologically verified diagnosis will allow for faster joint patient management by an oncologist and psychotherapist, which will improve the quality of life of patients and their survival.
Key words: breast cancer; depression; anxiety disorders; screening; review of studies.