Integrating Mental Health Support

With approximately 1 in 3 cancer patients having a diagnosable psychiatric disorder, the need for integration of psychosocial support in cancer care is undeniable. In addition to depression and anxiety, cancer patients may also suffer from psychosis from damaged brain tissue, psychiatric changes associated with immune system responses, and drug-related neurological conditions. 

Treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy may cause varying levels of neurotoxicity, leading to adverse effects on mental well-being and quality of life. It is of utmost importance to have cancerous tumors removed and to undergo treatment to mitigate the effects of the illness. But through the process of going through oncological care, the effects cancer has on the emotional health of patients and their families are often overlooked.

 According to a research publication in the National Library of Medicine, 73% of cancer patients with depression do not receive adequate psychological care. But we can ensure that those impacted by cancer receive optimal mental health support through integration, awareness, and community resources

The first step in solving any issues related to mental health is to break the stigma. On a broader scale, approximately 1 billion people (one-eighth of the human population) suffer from mental health issues, according to the World Health Organization. However, the topic of mental health is stigmatized across many cultures, so millions of people don’t seek help when needed. 

In regards to cancer, many patients consider the emotional impact of their illness as insignificant and minor compared to the physical effects the illness has on their bodies. But the psychological impact of cancer is a real and valid issue, with around a quarter of cancer patients requiring mental health support within the first year of diagnosis, according to guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence. But how can we de-stigmatize mental health so that more cancer patients seek professional support? Simply encouraging open conversations between family members, healthcare providers, and friends about coping with mental health and offering support has a tremendous impact. Additionally, organizations such as The Mind Over Cancer Initiative shed light on the overlooked psychological aspects of cancer through articles such as the one you’re reading right now and digital awareness campaigns. There’s no such thing as too much awareness, especially in mental health.

How is mental health care integrated in oncology? There is an entire subfield of psychology called psycho-oncology in which doctors can assess both the physiological and psychological effects of cancer on a person and provide support to families. More and more hospitals, such as the UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, are integrating psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental health professionals to support cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers through therapy, tailored treatment plans, and working alongside oncologists.

It is important to have trained psychiatrists who can note the interactions between medical anticancer treatments and medications for psychological disorders and work alongside pharmacists and oncologists to provide adequate treatment plans for cancer while ensuring the mental health of the patient remains a priority. In addition to psychiatrists, training nurses effectively to work alongside psychiatrists and understand the emotional needs of them and their families is crucial to aid the quality of life in those impacted by cancer. Oncologists and physicians must take priority in referring support resources to patients and survivors while considering their emotional needs.

Families and patients face extreme struggles mentally and socially from battling cancer. If you know someone who may be impacted by cancer, check in on them and offer support when needed. Encourage talks about mental health and allow them to receive the support that all people impacted by illness deserve.

Fernando, Asanga. “Mental Health and Cancer: Why It Is Time to Innovate and Integrate Call to Action.” European Urology Focus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 15 Nov. 2020, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9972363/. 

Fernando, Asanga, et al. “Mental Health Needs in Cancer - a Call for Change.” Future Healthcare Journal, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2023, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10540791/. 

Grassi, Luigi. “Psychiatric and Psychosocial Implications in Cancer Care: The Agenda of Psycho-Oncology.” Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 9 Jan. 2020, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7214699/. 

Caruso, R, and W Breitbart. “Mental Health Care in Oncology. Contemporary Perspective on the Psychosocial Burden of Cancer and Evidence-Based Interventions.” Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 9 Jan. 2020, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7214708/.