Adults diagnosed with cancer who similarly receive a diagnosis of a mental health condition within their first year of cancer treatment face a significantly elevated risk of death in the subsequent years, according to research published in the journal Cancer.
The study highlights a concerning correlation between mental and physical health in cancer patients, demonstrating that the presence of conditions like anxiety, depression, or adjustment disorders is not merely a consequence of a cancer diagnosis, but a factor that can negatively impact survival rates.
Researchers found that mental comorbidity – the co-occurrence of mental health conditions and cancer – is common, affecting between 20% and 50% of patients. These mental health challenges can manifest as anxiety disorders, affective disorders, or adjustment disorders, but also include distress, demoralization, and fear of cancer recurrence, even if they don’t meet the full criteria for a formal diagnosis.
The negative impact of these mental health conditions extends beyond emotional suffering. The research indicates a link between mental comorbidity and complications during cancer treatment, reduced adherence to prescribed therapies, diminished quality of life, and increased mortality. A German epidemiological study, the largest of its kind conducted to date, found that 32% of cancer patients experience mental health disorders.
While psychotherapeutic interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing anxiety and depression and improving quality of life for cancer patients, with benefits persisting for months after treatment, the evidence base for psychopharmacotherapy remains limited. Experts suggest that any pharmacological treatment should be integrated into a broader psycho-oncological care plan.
Cancer Research UK notes that struggling with mental health is a common experience for those diagnosed with cancer, impacting patients at diagnosis, during treatment, and after treatment concludes. The organization emphasizes the importance of support systems and acknowledges the range of feelings – fear, sadness, anxiety, and depression – that can arise in response to a cancer diagnosis as normal reactions to a stressful life event.
The German clinical practice guideline on psycho-oncology, referenced in a recent article published in Dtsch Arztebl Int, underscores the need for comprehensive psychosocial care for cancer patients. The guidelines advocate for addressing both cancer-specific and treatment-related stressors, as well as the broader care-related challenges faced by patients and their families.
A study published in Galen Med J in February 2024, found that approximately 30% of patients may experience cancer-related psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress.
The DKFZ (German Cancer Research Center) is currently working to disseminate research findings to promote mental health skills among cancer patients and healthcare providers.
