RESUMEN
Background:Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women accounting for 41 per 1,00,000 population in Delhi, followed by Chennai (37.9), Bangalore (34.4) and Thiruvanantapuram (33.7) district. The aim of the present study is to find the severity of distress in cancer patients and the factors influencing it. Methods: All eligible patients (N = 58) were screened for distress on NCCN (National Comprehensive Cancer Network) distress thermometer scale. Once the cancer care team identifies those patients having problems in certain areas, they work with them to address those concerns and can refer to other health care professionals, like a social worker, nutritionist, or chaplain, if needed. Most people can use this scale to rate their distress in a way that helps the cancer care team. If the response is 4 or above, he would likely have a moderate-to-high degree of distress. The doctor and/or cancer care team would find out more and offer some help with the distress. Results: Emotional problems were encountered in 98.27% of patients. Practical problems were encountered in 82.75% of patients. Family problems were encountered in 43.1% of patients. Most of the patients included in this study group were in the age group of 31 to 60 years. Conclusion: Patients with Breast cancer need support from cancer care treatment in every aspect. Screening plays an important tool to reduce the incidence of Breast cancer.