An observational cross-sectional study on breast cancer patients’ knowledge of their disease: A likely cause of depression and anxiety

Background: This study aimed to assess breast cancer awareness among patients undergoing active treatment for breast cancer at Day Hospital, assess their quality of life (QoL), and explore the association between minor knowledge of the disease and higher levels of anxiety. Methods: This prospective observational study included patients with breast cancer undergoing active treatment at the Instituto Português de Oncologia Coimbra. The European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30, QLQ-INFO25, and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were completed, and demographic and clinical data were collected and processed using SPSSÒ. Results: In total, 188 patients with breast cancer were included. A vast majority had a positive perception of their QoL, with a higher average value compared to “cognitive functioning” (c=77.22±22.53), “social functioning” (76.86±25.41), and “physical functioning” (75.67±17.24). Regarding the information received, an overall “score” below the “cut-off line” (47.96±14.40) was observed. When evaluating “satisfaction” in isolation, the average value for “satisfaction with the information received” was 53.55±23.99, and patients perceived that the information received was beneficial to them (67.38±23.87) and did not wish to have received less information (99.47±7.29). With decreased functionality, higher levels of depression and anxiety were observed (p<0.0001). Regarding “information related to illness and anxiety/depression”, it was noted that as satisfaction with information decreased, patients tended to have higher levels of anxiety/depression (p<0.013). Conclusions: It is necessary to create dedicated spaces for information and clinical clarification, with regular assessments of patients’ perceptions. The information provided must be reinforced through written or digital support, or brochures.