![\"Woman](\"\/camed\/files\/2023\/12\/Corina-Beiner-Martinez-scaled-e1701968150357.jpeg\")
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\u201cGiven that breast cancer remains the most common type of cancer worldwide, its impact on mental health continues to be highly researched as it can hinder treatment, recovery and quality of life. However, Black and Hispanic patients which comprise about 29% of the U.S. population, have been historically understudied in cancer research,\u201d said corresponding author Corina Beiner, a fourth-year medical student at the school.<\/p>\n
To better understand the changes in levels of depression and anxiety, the researchers surveyed English and Spanish-speaking females, age 18 or older, before and after they underwent radiation therapy treatment for breast cancer. Sociodemographic characteristics including race, ethnicity, marital status, education level, longest residency location, religion, housing and food insecurity were also collected. The survey ended with a standardized questionnaire to assess for depression and anxiety and the score was used as a marker of psychological distress.<\/p>\n
Prior to treatment, Spanish-speakers had a baseline distress level higher than English-speakers. Overall, participants showed a decreased level of distress post-treatment, however, when analyzed by language, English-speakers had decreased distress while Spanish-speakers reported an increased level of distress. Once sociodemographic factors were adjusted by language, Spanish-speakers reported a significantly higher level of housing and food insecurity, which may explain their higher levels of distress. \u201cFor this reason, we believe it would be beneficial to screen all Spanish-speaking patients for risk factors\u00a0that may increase their distress throughout treatment,\u201d added Beiner.<\/p>\n
According to the researchers, exploring the varying levels of depression and anxiety faced by these patients is warranted, particularly given that a diagnosis of mood disorders is linked to poorer survival outcomes. Prior knowledge that certain groups at a baseline may be experiencing more distress, can help guide initial changes to mediate these differences.<\/p>\n
While\u00a0further investigation is necessary to elucidate other reasons for this increase in distress throughout treatment, the researchers believe these results indicate an area for clinical need. \u201cPatients at risk for increased depression or anxiety or increased distress throughout\u00a0treatment may benefit from interventions prior to and throughout radiation therapy, such as preferred language education sessions or informational calls throughout treatment,\u201d added Hirsch.<\/p>\n![\"Head](\"\/camed\/files\/2015\/06\/Ariel-Hirsch-1-e1701901933372.jpg\")
\u201cAdditionally, regarding radiation therapy, knowing that a portion of our patients are at an increased risk of developing higher distress levels throughout a course of treatment can drive interventions to combat this,\u201d said senior author Ariel E. Hirsch<\/a>, MD, professor of radiation oncology.<\/p>\n