Addressing depression in cancer patients is a vital part of the care provided by healthcare providers. In some cases, healthcare providers should be doing a better job in asking patients going through cancer treatment about their emotional health, and to encourage them to talk openly and honestly about any symptoms of depression and/or anxiety they may be experiencing. Talking about ones feeling and emotional wellbeing can be hard to do with your doctor. Many patients often feel embarrassed to talk about their mental health or think that their healthcare provider won’t be interested. The truth is that cancer patients who are also suffering from depression often times have a worse prognosis than other cancer patients who don’t have any mental health issues. They are also less likely to adhere to their treatment plan and to look after their general health.
Click here to watch a video about “how to deal with depression when you have cancer.”