Search Here

One out of three people diagnosed with cancer also wind up struggling with a mental health disorder such as depression and anxiety, according to a new study. 

Many people seem to cope with the natural stress of a cancer diagnosis, but for about 32 percent of cancer patients, the diagnosis may prompt a full-blown psychological disorder, said study lead author Anja Mehnert, a professor of psychosocial oncology at the University of Leipzig in Germany, in the press release.

That's much higher than the 20 percent mental disorder rate of the general population, she added.

"[Our] findings reinforce that, as doctors, we need to be very aware of signs and symptoms of mental and emotional distress," Mehnert said. "We must encourage patients to seek evaluation, support and treatment if necessary, as there are long-term risks often associated with more severe, untreated mental health disorders."

Interestingly, researchers also found that breast cancer patients were twice as likely to experience a mental disorder than people with more typically fatal forms of cancer, such as stomach or pancreatic cancer.

"It kind of surprised us, because breast cancer is one of the most treatable cancers and most of the women have a very positive prognosis," she added.

The study based its findings on face-to-face interviews with more than 2,100 Germans with cancer, aged between 18 and 75 years old. 

The study further found that little more than 40 percent of patients with breast cancer, head and neck cancer, and malignant melanoma also had at least one mental disorder.

According to the study, the most common mental disorders affecting cancer patients were anxiety disorders and adjustment disorders. 

Researchers also urged cancer patients to seek help if they feel they need it.

"It is normal to feel distress if you have cancer. It's not unusual to develop a mental disorder," she said. "You don't have to feel ashamed. Many people still think that if they see a mental health professional, they are weak or are not able to cope well with their disease. That's just not so."

The study was published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.