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As a widespread and deadly disease, cancer brings double the pain to both the physical and mental health of patients. However, in most cases, people are focused on helping a patient get physically better.

In a study from 2022, researchers found that in patients with 26 different cancers, depression was the most common mental illness, especially for those who underwent chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery. Another study showed that cancer patients had an 85 percent higher death rate from suicide than the general population. This rate was higher in patients with liver, stomach, head and neck, and pancreatic cancers, which are believed to be difficult to treat.

Getting a cancer diagnosis is already difficult enough for the patient. This is why they need all the support they can get. Here are some ways to help someone with cancer going through depression.

Let them talk about their fears

It is normal for cancer patients to worry and be fearful of many things, but not all of them know or accept this. To support someone going through depression due to cancer, try to open a conversation that will let them talk about their fears - whether it's the fear of being in pain, worrying about their family, who pays the bills, or even fear of dying. Letting them know they are not alone while going through this will help alleviate their worries. 

Engage in their interests

Depression causes a person to lose interest in something they used to love and enjoy. This is especially true in cancer patients who used to be physically active, and their illness takes a toll on their physical strength. While they might not be able to completely do the things they used to, talking about their interests and hobbies, or creating new ones will help them take their mind off what they cannot do. Instead, they can focus on what they can do at the moment.