Newly Diagnosed Mental Health Disorders in Patients with Breast Cancer Receiving Radiation Therapy

One in three patients treated with radiation therapy developed a new MHD following the diagnosis of breast cancer in this cohort. The majority of acquired MHD in this study were depression and anxiety related disorders. Patients who received chemotherapy, were divorced, or were retired were at a higher risk of developing MHD following breast cancer diagnosis. Further prospective studies are needed to identify potential interventions that would benefit this at-risk population.