The relationship between anxiety and self-esteem in women suffering from breast cancer

Background: Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide that has great impact on their lives. Women with breast cancer are at increased risk for anxiety and low self-esteem. Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between anxiety and self-esteem in women suffering from breast cancer. Materials and Methods: In this descriptive correlational study, all 261 women diagnosed with nonmetastatic breast cancer referred to cancer care clinics in winter 2016 were assessed. Data were gathered using demographic information inventory, Spielberger's State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Scale, and were analyzed using SPSS statistical software (version 22). Descriptive statistics, the t-test, ANOVA, the Pearson correlation and the Spearman's correlation were also used. Results: The mean +/- standard deviation (SD) age of participants in the study was 48.33 +/- 10.837 years. The mean score of state and trait anxiety was 46.29 +/- 11.745 and 46.61 +/- 10.936, respectively. The mean +/- SD score of self-esteem was 18.38 +/- 5.08. The study results show an indirect correlation between anxiety and self-esteem in women suffering from breast cancer (r = -0.690). Conclusions: According to the considerable influences of anxiety and self-esteem on other aspects of physical, psychological, and social health, it is suggested that health-care professionals pay more attention to the self-esteem and psychological state of women diagnosed with breast cancer besides other medical treatments. Screening strategies for detecting psychiatric disorders in breast cancer patients and planning of effective interventions to promote self-esteem and reduce anxiety and its consequences are recommended.