Psychological Distress and Coping Mechanisms Among Women Diagnosed With Breast Cancer: A Cross-Sectional Study of Anxiety, Depression, and Social Support

Introduction Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality among women. Beyond its physical impact, it significantly affects mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and psychological distress. Coping mechanisms and social support play a crucial role in emotional resilience; however, limited research has examined these factors in Pakistani women. This study investigates the relationship between psychological distress, coping strategies, and social support among women diagnosed with breast cancer. Method This cross-sectional study included 100 women (N = 100, 100% female) diagnosed with breast cancer, recruited from private hospitals and clinics. Standardized instruments assessed generalized anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item scale (GAD-7)), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) 9-item scale), coping strategies (Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (COPE) Inventory 28-item scale), and social support (Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) 12-item scale). Data analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26 (Released 2019; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States), employing correlation analysis and group comparisons based on education, employment, and chemotherapy history. Results Higher generalized anxiety levels correlated with increased use of coping mechanisms (r = 0.133, p < 0.01), while perceived social support was positively associated with coping responses (r = 0.130, p < 0.01). Participants receiving chemotherapy reported higher social support (p = 0.016, Cohen's d = 0.71), whereas non-recipients exhibited more significant depression (p = 0.001, Cohen's d = 0.75). Conclusion Findings highlight the psychological burden of breast cancer and the critical role of coping strategies and social support. Tailored interventions are crucial for enhancing mental well-being, coping efficacy, and treatment outcomes, particularly among vulnerable groups.