Published in:
01-01-2020 | Mood Disorders | Original Article
Depression and anxiety in long-term survivors 5 and 10 years after cancer diagnosis
Published in: Supportive Care in Cancer | Issue 1/2020
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Purpose
Our study provides data on depression and anxiety in long-term cancer survivors, in men, women and various age groups, as well as identifies associated factors and coping-related resources.
Methods
We present data obtained from 1002 cancer survivors across a large variety of tumour entities 5 years (cohort 1) and 10 years (cohort 2) after diagnosis, in a cross-sectional study. We analysed depression (PHQ-9) and anxiety (GAD-7) symptomatology in comparison with two large age- and sex-matched samples randomly selected from the general population.
Results
Moderate to severe depression and anxiety were reported in 17% and 9% of cancer survivors, respectively. There were no significant differences between the 5 years and 10 years after diagnosis cohorts (p = 0.232). In both cohorts, we found higher depression and anxiety in women than in men (p < 0.001), and lower depression and anxiety in elderly patients (p < 0.001). Cancer survivors younger than 60 years of age were more depressed and anxious than the general population (p < 0.001). The variables, financial problems (Beta = 0.16, p < 0.001), global quality of life (Beta = − 0.21, p < 0.001) and cognitive function (Beta = − 0.30, p < 0.001), had the strongest association with depression and anxiety.
Conclusions
For the prevention of depression and anxiety in long-term cancer survivors, individual treatment of physical and psychological symptoms is as important as social support and professional counselling. Post-treatment, cognitive limitations should be carefully assessed in long-term cancer survivorship to distinguish them from symptoms of a mental disorder, especially since younger cancer survivors of working age and female survivors seem to be more affected by depression and anxiety.