A NEW prospective study has provided fresh insight into the long-term psychological outcomes and quality of life of women treated for breast cancer.
The research followed 143 women, with an average age of 42, for 48 months after completing primary treatment, assessing levels of depression, anxiety, fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), pain, and overall quality of life (QOL).
Findings showed steady psychological recovery across the study period. Depression scores decreased from 3.50 at baseline to 1.24 at four years, while anxiety levels dropped from 4.09 to 2.74. FCR declined moderately, and pain levels also lessened slightly. Meanwhile, QOL improved significantly in the first year post-treatment—rising from 87.77 to 93.42—and then stabilized for the remaining follow-up period.
However, treatment type influenced long-term outcomes. Women who underwent mastectomy reported higher levels of anxiety at four years compared with those who had breast-conserving surgery, suggesting surgical approach may have lasting psychological effects.
“These findings highlight both the resilience of breast cancer patients and the need for tailored psychological support, especially for those undergoing mastectomy,” the authors wrote.
The study emphasizes that while many survivors experience gradual improvements in mental health and quality of life after treatment, ongoing monitoring and interventions may be crucial for addressing persistent anxiety and fear of recurrence.
Reference
Yang Y et al. The influence of cancer treatments on long-term psychological outcomes and quality of life in breast cancer patients. BMC Cancer. 2025;DOI: 10.1186/s12885-025-14667-y.
