International Journal of Hematology and Oncology 2023, Vol 33, Num 4 Page(s): 217-221
DEPRESSION IN EARLY STAGE BREAST CANCER PATIENTS UNDER ADJUVANT CHEMOTHERAPY AND THE FACTORS WITH NEGATIVE INFLUENCES ON THEIR EMOTIONAL STATUS

SABRİ BARUTCA1, AHSEN KARAGÖZLÜ1, HASAN ÜSTÜN1, IŞIL KUNDAK1, NEZİH MEYDAN1, İLHAN ÖZTOP1, UĞUR YILMAZ1, MEHMET NİYAZİ ALAKAVUKLAR1

Dokuz Eylül Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Erişkin Hematoloji-Onkoloji Bilim Dalı, İzmir

Keywords: breast cancer, chemotherapy, depression
Depression is a frequent problem in cancer patients which is sometimes unrecognized by the clinician. In this study the existence of depression is researched in 40 early breast cancer patients under adjuvant chemotherapy (CT), and its frequency is found to be 70%. The reasons having a negative impact on the emotions of the patients were researched by a survey and, insufficient information on cancer and CT, being treated by different clinicians in each CT course, the irregularities in the treatment conditions, negative impressions from the environment and especially from the other patients, frequent laboratory examinations, adverse effects of the CT, negative influences on the business, family, and social lives, and the lack of pyschological support during the CT period were determined as the main problems. The early breast cancer patients have a high depression rate and pyschological care as well as the other necessary supportive care facilities should be available in this patient group besides their primary treatments.