Comparison of depression and trait anxiety status of university students with cancer diagnosis in their families and university students with no diagnosis of cancer in their families

Cancer is a serious disease in which people are affected mentally and physically. Cancer has indirect effects on patients' relatives as well as patients. These effects are observed in the psychological health of patients' relatives. In this study, the quality of life, depression and trait anxiety levels of university students with and without family history of cancer were examined. 200 people, 122 women and 78 men, participated in this study. Demographic data form, Quality of Life Scale-Short Form, Beck Depression Scale and Beck Anxiety Scale were applied to the participants. It was observed that the quality of life scores of the participants with a family history of cancer were low, while their depression and anxiety levels were significantly higher. In addition, the relationship between quality of life, depression and anxiety scores was found to be more significant in participants with a family history of cancer. In the analyzes conducted, the mean scores of the participants differ significantly according to the variables of gender, age, presence of psychological problems, smoking-alcohol-substance use and suicide attempt. Family cancer diagnosis is a parameter that significantly affects the quality of life and psychological well-being of the relatives.