Prevalence of depression in a cancer patient's population

Objective: This study examines the prevalence of depression in cancer patients and its association on several demographic variables. Method: 146 patients with cancer with different stages of the illness were studied using the Beck Depression Inventory with a cut-off point of > 16. Results: The prevalence of depression among cancer patients was 36% with higher frecuency in females. The most frequently affected groups were from 30-44 years-old (16%, n=22) and from 45-64 years-old (17%, n=25). 57% of the patients dedicated exclusively to their home and the 82% located en palliative care suffer depression. Conclusions: the prevalence of depression among cancer patients is higher compared to the general population. Factors that diminished the probability of depression were: older age and paid work whether palliative care patients have higher risk.