Psycho-oncology
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Seasonal effects on patients diagnosed with depression/anxiety-related psychological disorders have varying impacts on symptom severity. Seasonal changes in psychological distress may be due to decreased daylight exposure during the fall/winter seasons. Patients receiving radiation therapy (RT) for early-stage invasive breast cancer (EIBC) are at high risk for developing depressive symptoms. Of interest is whether seasonal factors influence the psychological symptoms of patients being treated for EIBC. ⋯ Seasonality influenced the symptoms reported by patients with EIBC receiving RT. Future studies are needed to understand when during treatment patients are at highest risk for psychological distress and how seasonality may influence high-risk periods.