Li DH, Qiao C, Tian XT, Ge JL. Early identification and prevention of depressive symptoms in breast cancer patients. World J Clin Oncol 2025; 16(7): 106792 [DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v16.i7.106792]
Corresponding Author of This Article
De-Hui Li, MD, Oncology Department II, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine (Hebei Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Key Laboratory of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine for Gastroenterology Research, Hebei Industrial Technology Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparation, No. 389 Zhongshan East Road, Chang’an District, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China. 258289951@qq.com
Research Domain of This Article
Oncology
Article-Type of This Article
Editorial
Open-Access Policy of This Article
This article is an open-access article which was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/
World J Clin Oncol. Jul 24, 2025; 16(7): 106792 Published online Jul 24, 2025. doi: 10.5306/wjco.v16.i7.106792
Early identification and prevention of depressive symptoms in breast cancer patients
De-Hui Li, Chang Qiao, Xiao-Tong Tian, Jian-Li Ge
De-Hui Li, Oncology Department II, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine (Hebei Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Key Laboratory of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine for Gastroenterology Research, Hebei Industrial Technology Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparation, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
Chang Qiao, Xiao-Tong Tian, Graduate School, Hebei University of Chinese Medicine, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
Jian-Li Ge, Department of Peripheral Vascular, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine (Hebei Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
Co-first authors: De-Hui Li and Chang Qiao.
Author contributions: Li DH and Qiao C designed the overall concept and outline of the manuscript; Qiao C and Tian XT contributed to the writing and editing of the manuscript and a review of the literature; Ge JL drew the figure for the manuscript. All authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Supported by The 2023 Government-Funded Project of the Outstanding Talents Training Program in Clinical Medicine, No. ZF2023165; Key Research and Development Projects of Hebei Province, No. 18277731D; Natural Science Foundation of Hebei Province, No. H202423105; Hebei Provincial Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Scientific Research Project, No. 2023045 and No. 2024023; Hebei Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Pharmaceutical Preparation Industry Technology Special Project, No. YJY2024006; and Scientific Research Project of Health Commission of Hebei Province, No. 20220962 and No. 20240282.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Open Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: https://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: De-Hui Li, MD, Oncology Department II, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University of Chinese Medicine (Hebei Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine), Key Laboratory of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine for Gastroenterology Research, Hebei Industrial Technology Institute for Traditional Chinese Medicine Preparation, No. 389 Zhongshan East Road, Chang’an District, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China. 258289951@qq.com
Received: March 9, 2025 Revised: April 2, 2025 Accepted: April 24, 2025 Published online: July 24, 2025 Processing time: 136 Days and 1.9 Hours
Abstract
Breast cancer ranks among the most prevalent cancers worldwide, particularly affecting young and middle-aged women, who face higher recurrence rates, lower survival rates, and substantial psychological health challenges. Depressive symptoms, frequently observed in breast cancer patients, significantly influence treatment outcomes and quality of life. Recent years have seen a growing focus on these symptoms, emphasizing early identification and intervention. This editorial comments on the recent study by Mao et al on a risk prediction model for depression in young and middle-aged breast cancer patients. Research suggests that factors such as tumor grade, monthly income, pain perception, family support, and physical activity critically influence the onset of depressive symptoms. By developing personalized risk prediction models, it becomes possible to identify high-risk patients early, allowing healthcare professionals to implement preventive strategies proactively. The editorial advocates for increased attention and resources dedicated to psychological health interventions for breast cancer patients, aiming to foster comprehensive care strategies that mitigate the impacts of depression and enhance overall quality of life.
Core Tip: This manuscript systematically examines the early identification and prevention strategies for depressive symptoms in breast cancer patients, focusing on the adverse effects of depression on patients' quality of life, treatment compliance, and prognosis. It proposes a comprehensive intervention plan grounded in the bio-psycho-social medical model by analyzing multiple risk factors, including tumor treatment, economic status, pain perception, and family support. Additionally, the manuscript addresses the integration of modern technologies, such as artificial intelligence and wearable devices, for the early detection of depressive symptoms and advocates for multidisciplinary collaboration to enhance the mental health care of breast cancer patients.
