A review of the literature on depression, quality of life, and breast cancer

In the breast cancer group, depression is often misdiagnosed and undertreated. In the five years after a diagnostic, the patient's risk factors for depression are more important than the illness or its therapy. Except for recurrence, the phase of breast cancer (early or advanced) has little statistical significance in terms of rates of psychological distress. Fatigue, a history of depression or a recent bout of sadness following the beginning of cancer, cognitive attitude of feeling of powerlessness, and resignation are all risk factors for depression. Higher prevalence of mental disorders is associated with body image damage caused by mastectomy and sexuality aftereffects. The research on the connection between increased breast cancer risk and depression is mixed. Some studies indicate a protective role, while others establish a link between stress, immunity, and the development of cancer or even death. Breast cancer survivors had a greater incidence of mild to severe depression, as well as a poorer quality of life in all categories except family functioning. Treatment for depression in women with breast cancer enhances their life quality but may extend their lives. Antidepressant medicines are still the gold standard for treating depression. The research does not support the potential connection between its prescription as well as an increased risk of breast cancer.