Breast Cancer's Lingering Effects on Depression Risk

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Having comorbid conditions and being 70 or older were associated with higher risk for depression up to 8 years after breast cancer diagnosis.

Prior studies of depression after treatment for breast cancer have been hampered by cross-sectional design and short duration. Using a Danish national health database of almost 2 million women without histories of cancer or inpatient care for depression, investigators identified incident cases of breast cancer and first prescriptions for antidepressants or inpatient depression care from 1988–2011.

Among women with breast cancer diagnoses, compared with those who did not have breast cancer, the rate ratio (RR) for filling a prescription for an antidepressant was 3.1 during the first year after diagnosis, then declined but remained significantly elevated for up to 8 years after diagnosis. The RR for hospitalization for depression was 1.7 during the first year, declining but remaining significantly elevated as far out as 5 years after diagnosis. Women aged ≥70 at diagnosis were more likely to receive treatment for depression. Type of cancer treatment was not related to depression risk.

Citation(s):

Suppli NP et al. Increased risk of depression after breast cancer: A nationwide population-based cohort study of associated factors in Denmark, 1998–2011. J Clin Oncol 2014 Oct 27