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This is a Cross-Sectional Study study.

September 10, 2025Open Access

Psychological distress in Chinese women with benign breast disease and breast cancer during diagnosis: A cross-sectional study

YGYan GaoShanxi Medical University JWJin‐Tao WangShanghai University of Electric Power JGJun GuoNanjing University of Chinese Medicine

Key Points

Psychological distress was prevalent among women with breast cancer (63.6%) and benign breast disease (52%) during diagnosis.
The median distress score was higher in breast cancer patients (4.5) than in those with benign breast disease (4), pointing to differing support needs.
Younger age, lower education levels, and unemployment were significant predictors of distress for both patient groups.
This study emphasizes the importance of early identification and management of psychological distress in women affected by breast disease.

Abstract

Research on the psychological distress experienced by women with benign breast disease (BBD) remains limited, though some evidence suggests it may resemble that of women with breast cancer (BC). This study aimed to use the Distress Thermometer (DT) to assess the levels of psychological distress and identify influencing factors during the diagnostic phase in patients with BC and BBD. From October 2022 to May 2023, a questionnaire survey incorporating the DT and Problem List (PL) was conducted among inpatients in the diagnostic phase for BC or BBD at the Breast Surgery Department of Shanxi Bethune Hospital (Taiyuan, China). Statistical analysis, including descriptive and inferential methods, was performed to examine factors affecting psychological distress in patients with BBD and BC. In this study, 373 participants were evaluated for psychological distress during the diagnostic phase. Among 255 patients diagnosed with BBD, the median distress score was 4, with a distress prevalence of 52%. The primary sources of distress included anxiety (43.5%), fear (21.2%), pain (7.1%), sleep disturbances (6.7%), and childcare responsibilities (5.1%). Among 118 BC patients, the median distress score was slightly higher at 4.5, with a distress prevalence of 63.6%. Key distress factors were anxiety (47.5%), fear (33.1%), financial worries (21.2%), depression (18.6%), and sadness (15.3%). Key predictors of distress varied between the 2 groups. For patients diagnosed with BBD, younger age, lower education levels, unemployment, and a higher Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS®) classification significantly contributed to higher distress levels. In patients diagnosed with BC, younger age, lower education levels, and unemployment were the primary risk factors. These findings underscore the psychological burden faced by both patient groups during diagnosis, highlighting the need for early identification and management of distress in this population.

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