Major or chronic depression is not a definite sign of breast cancer. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of breast cancer include a strange lump in the breast, bleeding from the nipple or strange changes to the skin, size or shape of the breast. But a lot of breast cancer patients will experience depression, but that could be because of the cancer.
Numbers
According to the National Cancer Institute, 25 percent of everyone diagnosed with any type of cancer will have major or chronic depression. But the Institute does not know if a depressed person gets breast cancer (or any other type of cancer) more than anyone without depression. According to John McManamy, author of "Living Well With Depression and Bipolar Disorder," clinical studies trying to see if depression could cause cancer were inconclusive.
Speculation
There are many anecdotal stories about women feeling depressed or suffering from chronic depression before they received their breast cancer diagnosis. Depression can worsen existing health problems, such as migraines or insomnia. Because depression often makes one feel so tired all of the time, one may make poor food choices or lifestyle choices that could contribute to developing breast cancer. Although there isn't a definite link between depression and breast cancer, it could later prove to be a significant factor.
Significance
"Depression and Anxiety in Women with Early Breast Cancer" (Caroline Burgess, et al; British Medical Journal, 2005) reported that 50 percent of women in the early stages of breast cancer also had major depression and/or anxiety in the year since they were told they had cancer. This suggests that anyone diagnosed with breast cancer also needs to be tested for depression and are encouraged to keep in contact with family and friends in order to help alleviate depression's symptoms.
Concern
According to the Nov. 15, 2009. issue of Cancer, cancer can compromise the treatment of a person with any type of cancer, including breast cancer. Depression often leaves people suicidal or feeling as if they are doomed no matter what they do. Exactly how depression affects cancer patients is still unclear, but it clearly does affect a breast cancer patient in a bad way. (See Resources 3)
Misconception
Breast cancer patients often feel as if they must display a brave face. This can make their true feelings intensify as they try to hide them with false cheerfulness. Being able to express their true feelings and getting treatment for depression as well as the breast cancer may help with recovery.
Tags: breast cancer, cancer patients, type cancer, breast cancer, breast cancer
