The neglect comes at a significant cost, as mortality rates go up to 39 higher among cancer patients with depression
Most people with cancer struggle with depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric disorders, even though these conditions go often undetected, according to experts. Statistics say around 30-35 per cent of cancer patients suffer from various types of psychiatric disorders during all phases of the disease trajectory.
Experts feel oncologists do not prioritize the mental health of patients and do not want to lose money caring for psychiatric patients.
However, this neglect comes at a significant cost, as mortality rates go up to 39 per cent higher among cancer patients with depression when compared to those without mental illness. Research says the risk of suicide is 13 times higher in the week following a cancer diagnosis—and three times the average even a year later.
How are cancer and mental health linked?
According to experts, it is normal to feel scared and sad about a cancer diagnosis, even though clinical depression and anxiety are distinct. It leads to a lack of interest in the things you like doing, such as changes in sleep patterns, food, and potential panic attacks over a prolonged period and with a significant impact on daily life.
In a study conducted last year with over 2,30,000 cancer patients, at least 10 per cent of those with cancer had depression and anxiety even before their cancer was diagnosed, while 22 per cent were diagnosed later. New cases were most common among those with metastatic disease.
Doctors say the connection is often brought on by the psychological stress of a new cancer diagnosis, the existential dread of facing death, and the strain this disease places on relationships.
Other drivers are the direct effects of cancer and the side effects of treatment. Debilitating issues like uncontrolled pain can make people quit everyday activities and give them sleepless nights. Also, hormone-blocking drugs—otherwise commonly used for prostate and breast cancer—contribute to fatigue and mood changes, while cancer surgeries can affect one’s body image and sense of self.
These can range from losing one’s ovaries and uterus in a total hysterectomy to needing to use a colostomy bag to collect waste.
Signs and symptoms of depression in cancer patients
Doctors say it is important that patients take the time to identify symptoms that could mean they need professional help. Symptoms of depression can include:
- Loss of pleasure and interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Changes in eating and sleeping habits
- Feeling worthless, feeling guilt
- Decreased concentration ability
If you notice any of your symptoms that last more than two weeks or that are severe enough to cause noticeable problems in day-to-day activities, it is time to seek professional help. Symptoms of anxiety can include:
- Feeling worried all the time
- Not being able to learn new information
- Not being able to "turn off thoughts”
- Trouble sleeping most nights
- Frequent crying spells
- Fast heartbeat
- Dry mouth
- Shaky hands
- Restlessness
- Feeling on edge
Mental illnesses can be deadly, in cancer
Experts say for cancer patients, mental illness can be extremely deadly because it often undermines their ability to follow through with treatment and adopt healthy habits like exercising, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding alcohol or drugs.
And so, poorly managed health symptoms can lower a patient’s willingness to start with treatment or their ability to tolerate side effects, prompting some to cut back on their doses or discontinue treatment altogether.
Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Mental Health, Health and around the world.
.svg)
.svg)
