The study aimed to assess depression, anxiety symptoms as psychological distress and
coping strategies among women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy, and to investigate
the relationship between them. A descriptive research design was utilized. The study was carried
out in the oncology unit at Assiut University Hospital and South Egypt Cancer Institute. The
sample comprised of all women with breast cancer receiving chemotherapy attending the
oncology unit and South Egypt Cancer Institute during three months period from January to
March 2015. Methodology: comprised of personal data questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety
Depression Scale (HADS), developed by, Zigmond and Snaith (1983); contains seven items that
assess anxiety and seven items that assess depression rated on a four-point Likart scale (0 to 3)
and Brief COPE scale developed by, Carver, (1997). It consists of 28-item self report measure of
both adaptive and maladaptive coping skills .Individuals respond to each item on a four-point
Likart scale, indicating the frequency with which each strategy is used (1to4 ). Results: 62.2%,
32.4% of the studied group were had high level of symptoms of anxiety, and depression
respectively. The highest mean scores of coping strategies were related to religion use of
emotional support, active coping, use of instrumental support, planning, and positive reframing.
Conclusion: The highest mean score of the studied group used Problem-focused Strategies and
emotional focused strategies, as a method of coping with anxiety and depression symptoms.
Recommendations: Designing and implementing psycho-educational programs about stressors
related to patients with breast cancer.