Survivorship in young women after early breast cancer: a cross-sectional study of emotional traits along 3-years perspective

Background. Breast cancer diagnosis and treatments have a strong impact on women’s lives. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in emotional traits in women aged 38-50 years over a three-year period. Method. By cross-sectional study design, a sample of n. 126 patients in range age 38-50 has been recruited in different timing of cancer disease, in order to evaluate the patients’ emotional traits (variables: anxiety, anger, psychological distress, and depression) at the time of diagnosis, and 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months after diagnosis. Anger, anxiety, psychological distress, and depression were evaluated. Results. Results showed significant differences in each emotional variable during treatment. Anxiety showed a decreasing trend, whereas anger tended to improve significantly. At 12 and 24 months from the diagnosis, patients seemed more aware about their own psychological needs compared with the period immediately after the diagnosis (T0) and during the treatments. Women who had recently received a diagnosis (T0) seemed more resilient in their responses in facing an emergency. Conclusions. Increased survival rate after breast cancer diagnosis is strongly linked to the management of emotional weakness of BC women because of modified living. Patients need to be supported to regain their life after clinical treatments though tailored psychological treatment along survivorship, not only in primary treatment.