Depression might influence breast cancer risk
NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - Depression appears to somewhat heighten the risk of breast cancer, but it has no significant association with lung, colon or prostate cancer, according to a review of the medical literature conducted by Dutch researchers.
"Depression is related to a slightly increased risk of cancer," investigator Dr. Marjan van den Akker told Reuters Health. "The relation with breast cancer gets stronger with a longer follow-up period."
van den Akker, of Maastricht University, and colleagues came to this conclusion after examining data from 13 studies involving more than 127,000 patients. Their findings are published in the journal Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health.
Based on eight studies with complete data, the researchers calculated that the overall risk of cancer was increased by 12 percent in individuals with depression.
Based on data from seven studies that looked at a mixture of factors, no significant association was seen between depression and the development of breast cancer.
However, analysis of a subgroup of studies that included at least 10 years of follow-up showed a significant association -- patients with depression had a 2.5-fold increased risk of developing breast cancer compared with undepressed patients.
"With the evidence available at this moment, it's difficult to disentangle the possible effects of depression and antidepressants on the occurrence of subsequent cancer," continued van den Akker. "It's not yet possible to translate these results into preventive interventions," she concluded.
SOURCE: Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health, December 3, 2007.
What breastcancer.org says about this article…
Depression might influence breast cancer risk
The study reviewed here seems to suggest that depression may cause a slight increase in breast cancer risk.
There have been other small studies that suggest that emotional health, stress, nutrition, and exercise all can affect the immune system, which then affects breast cancer risk. For example, women in breast cancer support groups live longer than those who don't join such groups. Researchers speculate that one reason is the stress-reducing, immune-supporting effects that these groups provide.
More than 20 million people in the United States have depression each year. Depression can be caused by a number of factors:
- aging
- hormonal changes, including hot flashes
- genetics
- fatigue
- poor nutrition
- major life change such as divorce, taking a new job, quitting smoking, etc.
If you think you're depressed, talk to your doctor. Together you can sort out if what you're feeling is depression, extreme fatigue or something else. It's also important to find out what's causing the depression. You may want to talk to an accredited psychotherapist. Therapy can help you feel supported and allow you to talk about what's bothering you. Antidepressant medicines can help ease feelings of sadness and anxiety and help you feel better.
Some complementary medicine techniques also have been shown to ease anxiety, stress, fear, and depression, including:
- aromatherapy
- guided imagery
- hypnosis
- journaling
- massage
- meditation
- music therapy
- progressive muscle relaxation
- prayer
- support groups
- tai chi
- yoga
For more information on how to ease depression, read the transcript of a breastcancer.org Ask-The-Expert Conference on Overcoming Depression.