Cancer and Mental Health
Cancer can cause mental health issues because of the emotional and mental effects of the diagnosis and treatment. Facing a serious illness like cancer can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress. The physical symptoms and side effects of cancer treatment can also add to these mental health challenges.
There are several risk factors that can increase the chance of developing mental health issues related to cancer:
- History of mental health issues: Individuals with a history of mental health problems may be more likely to develop mental health issues when diagnosed with cancer.
- Poor self-rated health: People who see their overall health as poor or fair are at a higher risk of having mental health problems related to their cancer diagnosis.
- Psychological distress: Those who already experience significant mental distress, such as high levels of anxiety or depression, may be more likely to develop mental health issues in response to their cancer diagnosis.
The symptoms of mental health issues in individuals with cancer can vary but may include:
- Anxiety: Feelings of excessive worry, restlessness, or a sense of impending doom
- Depression: Constant feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in activities once enjoyed
- Psychotic symptoms: Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t real) or delusions (false beliefs that don’t match reality)
- Stress-related disorders: Symptoms such as intrusive thoughts (unwanted and upsetting thought that keep coming into your mind), nightmares, or flashbacks (sudden, intense memories that make you feel like you’re reliving the cancer experience).
Mental health issues can greatly affect a person's overall well-being and quality of life. If left untreated, these issues can lead to not following the treatment plan, lower survival rates, higher healthcare costs, and poor quality of life.
If you or someone you know are struggling or in crisis with anxiety, depression or suicidal thoughts, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org/chat to connect with trained crisis counselors.
Treatment for mental health issues in individuals with cancer typically involves a combination of approaches:
- Psychotherapy: Talk therapy with a trained professional can help individuals cope with the emotional challenges of living with cancer.
- Medication: In some cases, medications such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed to help manage symptoms.
- Support groups: Joining support groups or participating in peer support programs can help individuals connect with others who are going through similar experiences.
The goal of treating mental health issues in individuals with cancer is to improve their overall well-being and quality of life. By addressing these issues, healthcare providers aim to help patients better cope with their diagnosis and treatment, stick to their treatment plan, and improve their overall outcome.
While it may not be possible to completely prevent mental health issues from developing in relation to cancer, there are steps individuals can take to decrease their risk:
- Seek support: Reach out for emotional support from friends, family members, or support groups specifically for people living with cancer.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Participate in regular physical activity, eat a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and avoid smoking and drinking too much alcohol.
- Communicate with healthcare providers: Openly discuss any concerns or changes in mood or mental well-being with your healthcare team.
- Consider counseling or therapy: Participating in counseling or therapy before or during treatment can help by giving useful ways to handle the emotional challenges that may come up.
Taking early steps and seeking support when needed can help individuals reduce the impact that mental health issues may have on their overall well-being while living with cancer.
Medication dosing may be affected by many factors. Check with your health care professional about dosing for your individual situation. Other side effects can occur. Check with your health care professional or read the information provided with your medication for additional side effect information.