Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer diagnosis with the highest mortality rate
worldwide. The aim of this study was to identify factors related to depression and anxiety in
mastectomized women BC survivors. A cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of
198 women diagnosed with BC aged 30–80 years in Mexico. Depression and anxiety were assessed
using the 14-item Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). The results showed that 94.44%
and 69.18% of the women scored more than eight points on HADS in the anxiety and depression
subscales, respectively; 70.20% and 10.60% were identified as pathological. The following variables
were analyzed: age, time elapsed since the start of treatment, received treatment at the time of the
evaluation, type of surgery, family history, marital status and employment status. Time elapsed since
surgery, having a partner, and employment showed significant results as factors associated to levels
of depression and anxiety in these patients. In conclusion, it has been shown that BCSs under 50 years
of age receiving some kind of treatment, without family history, without a partner, with a job, with
more than secondary education and with more than 5 years since diagnosis could have higher rates
of clinical depression. On the other hand, BCSs older than 50 years receiving some kind of treatment,
without family history, without a partner, with a job, with more than secondary education and with
more than 5 years since diagnosis, could have higher rates of clinical anxiety. In conclusion, the
variables studied provide valuable information for the implementation of psychotherapy plans in
healthcare systems to reduce the risk of depression and/or anxiety in women with BC who have
undergone mastectomy.
