Abstract:

To determine the presence of depression, anxiety and disability of breast and Gastro Intestinal System GIS cancer patients, and to examine the factors that affect these symptoms. A total of 123 patients 82 breast cancer patients underwent radical mastectomy and 41 patients with GIS cancer were recruited. All subjects were evaluated with the socio-demographic patient form, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale HAD , Brief Disability Questionnaire BDQ , and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support MSPSS . It was confirmed that 75,6% of patients have a risk of depression and 59,3% of them have a risk of anxiety, and it was determined that 88,6% of the patients live with some level of disability. Statically significant increase in the risk of depression and anxiety was observed with an increased of the illness period and advanced disease of GIS cancer patients was obtained. And disability time was found high in breast cancer patients. In addition, anxiety and depression levels were decreased in both groups as the time of diagnosis increase. It was also found that anxiety and depression levels were increased by increasing age and advanced disease. The disability score was found high when anxiety has increased. Having a low level of social support was present in patients who had heavy disability. Different cancer diagnoses with their treatment may impact the functional and psychological aspects of the patients. Therefore it is important to give biopsychosocial holistic approach to cancer patients by the nurses who play a key role.

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