Assessment of psychological impact of breast cancer in women

Abstract

Objective: The objective is to identify opportunities for improvements in care for cancer patients and their relatives. Method: 53 patients of breast cancer were included in the study. The type of breast cancer was recognized and treatment which is been carried out is studied along with its psychological impact. It was a retrospective observational study. A specially designed patient data collection form has been used which has been prepared with all the requisite features like patient name, demographic information, physical examination, complaints, previous history, diagnosis, investigations, medications and advice to the patients. Results: The patients’ most frequently reported unmet needs were mainly related to the psychological dimensions. Patients are vulnerable to anxiety, distress and depression under treatment and in the post-treatment period. Distress, anxiety and depression were also factors which characterized patients with unmet supportive care needs. Thus Breast cancer is a psychological challenge. Conclusion: The results conclude that the most observed psychological factors in all parameters of study are depression, anxiety, stress and fear of reoccurrence. The treatment regimen can also include depression, anxiety and stress treatment with anti depression and anti anxiety drugs and also proper counseling.