A retrospective cohort study to determine the documented incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder in breast cancer patients treated at Boston Medical Center

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of documented PTSD in adult breast cancer survivors treated at Boston Medical Center and the strength of its relationship to important PTSD risk factors. Methods/Procedures: The cohort was defined retrospectively and a chart review was conducted. Results: The results of the study support that adult breast cancer patients treated at Boston Medical Center are at risk for developing PTSD. Additionally, younger and patients with more co-morbidities are at highest risk. Conclusions: These results underscore the need for both further descriptive studies and interventions aimed at early identification and treatment of PTSD in breast cancer survivors.