Depression increases risk of breast cancer

Nutrition Health Review, Summer, 2006

NETHERLANDS -- Could depression raise the risk of breast cancer? Conducting a systematic review of the literature, Dr. Marjan van den Akke of Maastricht University observed a slight link between depression and an increased risk of cancer.

The research group examined data from 13 studies involving more than 127,000 patients. From eight studies with complete data, they calculated that the overall risk of cancer was increased by 12 percent in depressed individuals.

Examining data from seven studies, they noted no significant association between depression and breast cancer. However, a subgroup of studies that included at least ten years of follow-up showed a significant association; patients with depression had a 2.5-fold increased risk of breast cancer compared with patients who were not depressed. The authors suggested that it was difficult to distinguish the potential effects of anti-depressants and depression on the occurrence of future cancer.

(Source: Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health, December 3, 2007.)