January 2014

Support Care Cancer. 2013 Oct 1. [Epub ahead of print]

Predictors of anxiety and depression in people with colorectal cancer

Gray NM, Hall SJ, Browne S, Johnston M, Lee AJ, Macleod U, Mitchell ED, Samuel L, Campbell NC

Using questionnaires and clinical records this study investigated anxiety and depression in people with colorectal cancer and identified factors associated with them. Nearly 500 people in Scotland with colorectal cancer between 2006 and 2008 completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and information was collected on functioning, symptoms and social difficulties. 20% of participants had possible or probable anxiety and 17% had possible or probable depression, with nearly 50% of those with anxiety having coexisting depression. Anxiety levels were similar to non-clinical samples, but depression was higher. Self-reported history of anxiety or depression predicted anxiety but not depression. Self-reported anxiety and depression, dyspnoea, diarrhoea and poor cognitive function predicted anxiety. Having poor physical, cognitive and social functioning, having difficulties with personal care and communicating, being constipated or having neo-adjuvant radiotherapy was associated with depression. As this group of people are at increased risk of depression, it is important to consider and optimise these modifiable factors which are associated with depression.