Factors affecting anxiety and depression in young breast cancer survivors undergoing radiotherapy

Abstract

Purpose

This study examined anxiety and depression, and their relationship with symptom assessment, uncertainty, social support, and stress in young breast cancer patients receiving radiotherapy.

Methods

This is a descriptive quantitative study. The participants were 126 patients under 50 years of age with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy.

Results

The anxiety and depression levels were higher among those who were married (t = −2.318, p = .022), non-religious (t = 4.510, p = .005), and had a higher monthly income (F = 2.840, p = .041). The hierarchical regression analysis model included symptom assessment, uncertainty, social support, and stress, and accounted for about 49% of the variance in anxiety and depression (F = 7.688, p < .001). Additionally, uncertainty (β = 0.304, p = .001) and stress (β = 0.308, p = .001) were significant predictors of anxiety and depression.

Conclusions

Based on the results of this study, nursing interventions are needed to reduce uncertainty and stress in order to reduce anxiety and depression in young breast cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment.