A psychological profile of depressed and nondepressed women at high risk for breast cancer

This study examines the difference on several demographic and psychosocial variables between women at high risk for breast cancer above and below the cut-off point of a depression measure (Center for Epidemiological Study Dep ression Scale). Data are presented for 430 consecutive patients from the UC LA Revlon Breast Center High Risk Clinic. Women scoring above the depressio n cut-off point were younger had more relatives with breast cancer, reporte d more symptoms of anxiety, and had more self-perceived vulnerability to br east cancer. In addition, women above the depression cut-off point were mor e likely to be single, childless, to have not viewed the results of the sur gical treatment of their relative, and to feel more anxiety, regarding scre ening practices (mammography, pap smears, and breast self-examinations).