RESUMEN
This cross-sectional study aims to assess the nature and severity of depressive symptoms and quality of life in cancer patients, compared to psychotic depressed patients. The study sample consisted of 40 cancer patients recruited from outpatient clinics of chemotherapy and radiotherapy at Ain Shams University hospital. The control group included 40 consecutive patients with diagnosis of depression taken from outpatient clinic of the Institute of Psychiatry of Ain Shams University. The ressearchers applied interview sheet for patients, Beck depression rating scale and quality of life depression rating scale. The results revealed statistically significantly higher prevalence and severity of depressive symptoms in the study group, compared to control, p=0.003. The two groups were also different as regards nature of depression. The quality of life domains were also statistically significantly different between them. However, no statistically significant difference could be revealed in overall quality of life score. It was recommend to develop protocols and individualized interventions that respond to psychological and physical needs of cancer patients to promote their quality of life. Nurses must increase Their efforts to identify those who are most psychologically vulnerable and those who perceive that obstacles exist to seek emotional help through counseling and psychological services