Depression and breast cancer: research progress and prospects from an interdisciplinary perspective - Takeaways - MDSpire

Depression and breast cancer: research progress and prospects from an interdisciplinary perspective

  • By

  • Kang He

  • Huiyang Tang

  • Cunjun Mai

  • Yongzhen Li

  • Dongmin Yu

  • June 2, 2026

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Depression and breast cancer mutually influence each other, leading to poorer clinical outcomes and reduced quality of life.

  • 2

    Overactivation of the HPA axis in depression may elevate glucocorticoids, promoting breast cancer initiation and progression.

  • 3

    Depression can impair immune cell function and promote pro-inflammatory cytokines, creating a favorable environment for tumor growth.

  • 4

    Standalone biomedical or psychological interventions have limited efficacy, necessitating an interdisciplinary approach for treatment.

  • 5

    Emerging treatment strategies include cognitive-behavioral therapy, traditional Chinese medicine, and gut microbiota regulation.

Original Source(s)

Depression and breast cancer: research progress and prospects from an interdisciplinary perspective

  • by Kang He, Huiyang Tang, Cunjun Mai, Yongzhen Li, Dongmin Yu

  • June 2, 2026

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