Predictors of long‐term anxiety and depression in uveal melanoma survivors: A cross‐lagged five‐year analysis

• DOI: 10.1002/pon.5514
• Publication Date: 2020-08-11T06:00:17Z
• Authors: Stephen L. Brown; Peter L. Fisher; Laura Hope‐Stone; Rumana N. Hussain; Heinrich Heimann; Bertil Damato; M. Gemma Cherry
• Keywords: Worry; Depression

Abstract Objective Cancer survivors commonly experience long‐term anxiety and depression. Anxiety depression might result from problems emerging during survivorship rather than illness treatment. This study tested three potential causal paths: (a) concerns about physical symptoms functional fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) arising directly cause depression, (b) an indirect path whereby FCR mediates effects on (c) a reciprocal FCR, which exacerbate later Methods Sample 453 uveal melanoma who completed observations 6‐, 12‐, 24‐, 36‐, 48‐ 60‐months post‐diagnosis did not miss two consecutive observations. Cross‐lagged analyses were conducted to predict Hospital Depression Scale subscale scores. Symptoms measured using the EORTC OPT 30 scale, operationalised by worry scale. Covariates age, gender, treatment modality, visual acuity fellow eye chromosome‐3 status (which accurately predicts 10‐year survival), or Results All paths received some support, although emerged only for in females. Concerns symptoms, problems, originated appeared both influence be influenced Conclusions Findings emphasise importance actively monitoring prevent, detect, intervene development survivorship.