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A survey of cancer patients undergoing a radical course of radiotherapy, to establish levels of anxiety and depression

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 June 2008

Nicola Holmes  and
Keren Williamson
Nicola Holmes
Affiliation:
Radiotherapy and Oncology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales,UK
Keren Williamson
Affiliation:
Radiotherapy and Oncology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales,UK
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Abstract

This research aims to establish the prevalence and aetiology of anxiety and depression in cancer patients within their first 2 weeks of a radical course of radiotherapy. Depression followed by anxiety is the two most frequent psychological disorders experienced by cancer patients. However, these two disorders are frequently undiagnosed and untreated in patients undergoing a course of radiotherapy possibly because the treatment side effects often simulate those of anxiety and depression; the consequences of this can be reduced patient prognosis and increased health care costs. A questionnaire was administered to a sample of 100 eligible cancer patients and this yielded a 68% response rate. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale was integrated into the questionnaire to accurately establish levels of anxiety and depression in the respondents of the study. The study identified six respondents with clinically significant levels of anxiety (9%) and six with depression (9%); 21% (n = 14) of participants had higher than normal levels of anxiety and 21% for depression (n = 14). Correlations were then identified between levels of psychological distress and the four independent variables; age, diagnosis, adjuvant medication and pain. Four predisposing factors were established—breast cancer diagnosis, age range 40–50 years, the presence of pain and adjuvant chemotherapy regimes.

Keywords

anxietycancerdepressionradiotherapy
Type
Original Article
Information
Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice , Volume 7 , Issue 2 , June 2008 , pp. 89 - 98
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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