A Retrospective Study: Diagnosis and Treatment of Depression in Breast Cancer Patients

Background: One issue related to breast cancer diagnosis and treatment is the risk of depression. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine ethnic differences and commonalties in the method of diagnosis and treatment of depression for female breast cancer patients. Specific Aims: The study aims to examine the method of diagnosis and treatment of depression in Caucasian, Latino, and African American breast cancer patients. Questions/Hypothesis: 1. Does the method of diagnosis and treatment of depression differ based on ethnicity? Hypothesis: Method of diagnosis and treatment will differ for Minorities as compared to Caucasians; 2. What percentage of patients received pharmacologic versus non-pharmacologic treatment for depression? Hypothesis: Minority patients are more likely to elect nonpharmacologic treatment versus pharmacologic for depression. Methods: This retrospective chart review utilized Chi Square Analysis and took place at a large academic medical center with female breast cancer patients, ages 25 to 80 years, seen in the outpatient palliative care clinic from 2014 to 2017. Results: The 80 charts revealed positive screenings for depression for 52.2% Caucasians (N=12), 58.6% African Americans (N=17), and 60.7% Latinos (N=17). 33.8% did not have any pharmacologic treatment (N=27), 66.3% had at least one kind of pharmacologic treatment (N=53). A total of 5% of the patients did not receive any non-pharmacologic treatments (N=4), 95% had some form of non-pharmacologic treatment (N=76). Conclusions: The outpatient palliative care clinic helps to provide management of symptoms for female breast cancer patients with depression by implementing both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures