Cancer and Mental Health: Coping with Cancer Diagnosis

Like many other serious illnesses, cancer can cause profound psychological distress, affecting not only patients but also their loved ones and caregivers. Despite advancements in cancer treatment and increased survival rates, this aspect of cancer (the psychological component) poses a serious threat to the wellbeing of cancer patients, because it can hinder treatment adherence, quality of life, and overall health outcomes.

Data indicates that approximately 30% of cancer patients may experience psychological disorders related to cancer, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Family members and caregivers are not excluded either, as providing care for cancer patients can cause them to also feel severe emotional distress. Therefore, it has become imperative to integrate mental health resources as part of strategies to mitigate the psychological component of cancer. This also helps patients manage the disease better and even improve their recovery not to mention overall quality of life..

The aim of this article is to highlight the relationship between cancer and mental health as this is often an under-recognized and underinvested aspect of the disease and also provide you with practical steps on managing cancer stress in order to help you lead a holistic life. Let’s get started!

The Emotional Impact of a Cancer Diagnosis: What to Expect

Anxiety after cancer diagnosis is often one of the primary sources of discomfort among cancer patients. Patients may feel extremely uneasy and afraid at the prospect of undergoing treatment procedures that may include immunotherapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery, all of which have the potential to have cancer treatment side effects and complications. The various emotional responses that may be expressed before or after cancer diagnosis may include:

• Fear
• Anxiety
• Shock
• Disbelief
• Tearfulness
• Loss of control
• Guilt
• Shame
• Anger
• Sadness

These responses are predicated on the potential ordeal that a cancer patient may face, which includes treatment failure, stigmatization, or potential medication side effects. Additionally, patients can also become anxious about the prognosis of cancer. At the time of initial evaluation, patients may not yet know the stage or type of cancer they may have. These crucial points in determining the prognosis of the disease can bring forward feelings of immense anger, frustration, sadness and grief.

Common Mental Health Challenges in Cancer Patients

Having an existing mental health challenge often further impacts your resources to cope with cancer’s emotional challenges and may worsen your mental health. Hence, you can inform your cancer team about any preexisting mental health condition so they can help you find resources to cope better with the added psychological burden from cancer.

Some common mental health challenges in cancer patients include:

• Anxiety: The uncertainty surrounding the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment plans can lead to anxiety.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder: People who have undergone potentially fatal cancer-related medical procedures may exhibit symptoms of PTSD.
• Adjustment disorders: During and after cancer treatment, people may struggle with cancer lifestyle adjustments, which can negatively impact their psychological well-being.
• Depression: Cancer-related emotional and physical crises can cause depression, which may manifest in the form of weariness, pain, and the physical changes cancer brings to the body.

While these are the common mental disorders often associated with cancer, the degree to which individuals manifest these conditions and strategies adopted in dealing with cancer emotions vary.

Depression and Anxiety in Cancer: Recognizing the Signs

Depression and anxiety are the most common psychological symptoms of cancer. Early non-pathological psychological symptoms of cancer may include worries, sense of uncertainty, sadness, and increased levels of hopelessness. This is a part of the grief process even if the result isn’t life ending. However, these symptoms can increase and they can also lead to more specific and disabling psychiatric syndromes often seen in depression and anxiety. These signs may include:

• Apathy: It’s a condition of indifference, in which you are not motivated to engage in or enjoy the activities you once used to enjoy. It’s more commonly associated with depression than anxiety.
• Persistent fatigue: Although feeling tired is a normal part of life, persistent exhaustion may be a sign of anxiety or depression.
• Difficulty focusing or making decisions: People with anxiety and depression often experience. .
• Mood swings: You may be experiencing anxiety or depression if you are easily agitated or oscillate between emotional highs and lows.
• Continuous worry: This can be a sign of anxiety if you carry on worrying after the apparent threat has passed or if your level of concern is out of proportion to the perceived threat.
• Desiring to be alone: While it is normal to occasionally need some alone time to get your thoughts straight, doing so frequently could be a sign of depression.

Recognizing these signs early is crucial, as timely support and intervention can greatly improve the quality of life for cancer patients and their loved ones.

How Mental Health Affects Physical Recovery and Treatment Outcomes

The psychological state of cancer patients can significantly influence their prognosis, particularly by affecting treatment adherence, recovery, and quality of life. Emotional well-being impacts the way patients engage with their treatment process. Higher psychologically resilient patients are more likely to adhere to treatment plans and experience consistent physical improvement. On the other hand, patients who experience anxiety or depression are more likely to stop their treatment, which could result in a longer recovery period and less favorable outcomes. This was demonstrated in a study which aimed to evaluate the influence of anxiety and depression on gastrointestinal cancer survival. Results showed that anxiety and depression were associated with poorer survival outcomes. The evidence shows that depressed patients are less likely to receive or continue the indicated chemotherapy.

In contrast, research has also shown that people who have a stronger network of social and emotional support are more likely to have positive effects on their recovery and treatment outcomes than those who do not. As a result, carefully applying these models of social and emotional support along with other psychologically boosting strategies can significantly improve cancer patients’ physical recuperation and treatment results.

Coping Strategies for Newly Diagnosed Cancer Patients

According to the American Psychological Association, coping is referred to as a series of actions, or a thought process used in meeting a stressful or unpleasant situation or in modifying one’s reaction to such a situation

A cancer diagnosis can be life-threatening. For many, it marks a frightening chapter filled with grief, uncertainty, and major disruptions to daily routines. Still, with science-backed coping strategies, it is possible to adapt and manage the stressors that come with cancer more effectively. This is because with the added burden of anxiety or depression, some patients might turn to maladaptive cancer coping strategies such as denial, avoidance, guilt, social withdrawal, and compulsive behavior. Unfortunately, these responses may feel helpful temporarily, they often worsen their symptoms rather than relieve them. To help you cope in healthier ways, here are science-supported cancer coping mechanisms that can support your adaption to the illness:

• Facing the reality of your illness

Cancer patients cope in different ways; some confront their illness by seeking information and asking questions, which promotes psychological adjustments, while others rely on denial to protect themselves from feeling overwhelmed, though this can hinder adjustments if prolonged.

• Expressing your emotions 

You can express your emotions by journaling. By this, you can track what triggers both your positive and negative thoughts, as well as the grey to not just develop strategies to reinforce your positive thoughts but allow your emotions to come and go. Furthermore, if it is safe to do so, seek support in trusted family members or friends as they are often willing to provide emotional support, encouragement, and a safe space to share your feelings without judgements.

• Reaching out for support 

It is often said that a problem shared is a problem halved, because opening up to trusted individuals often eases the burden and invites support. This claim is supported by a study which aimed to explore the relationship between perceived social support among Bangladeshi cancer patients and its effects on their mental health. Results showed that perceived social support has a profound positive effect on the mental health of cancer patients.

• Spirituality, Faith, and Prayer

Spirituality, faith, and prayer often become important sources of strength when we reach life’s crossroads and seek relief beyond science. Many people tune inward to find meaning that transcends them, and for some, this meaning is rooted in their faith and spiritual practices. These factors can help patients cope with illness by providing peace, consolation, a sense of purpose, and improved psychological adjustments.

The Role of Therapy and Counseling During Cancer Treatment

There is no evidence that counselling and different types of therapy can help individuals heal from cancer. However, research has found a positive relationship between counseling and therapy on the emotional well-being of cancer patients. Therapy can come in different forms since cancer affects both the physical and psychological well-being of individuals. And it can provide valuable cancer treatment tips that improve overall coping and adjustment. Some types of therapies and the roles they play in cancer recovery include:

• Physical therapy: Exercise plays a key role in this form of therapy. It has been found to improve musculoskeletal impairment, reduce cancer-related fatigue, and enhance quality of life; exercise may also have immunomodulatory effects in those with cancer.Additionally, epidemiological evidence shows that physical activities are associated with improved survival rates amongst cancer survivors.

• Occupational therapy: The goal of occupational therapy is to help cancer patients manage the challenges caused by the disease or its treatment by enabling them to carry out essential daily activities more independently and comfortably. Studies have shown that this form of therapy has the potential to reverse or limit cancer-related disabilities. It also provides patients with practical guidance that supports everyday cancer care decisions.

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This is a specific type of counseling that aims to change emotions by firstly changing thoughts patterns and behaviors, because fundamentally, how we think affects how we feel. The patient typically works with a counselor who practices CBT to develop skills to recognize, counteract, and manage problematic thoughts and beliefs.

Other types of counseling can also produce positive impacts on the psychological well-being of cancer patients. Counselors may play a huge role in helping patients understand their diagnosis, advocate for themselves, access financial assistance, and help them foster better communication with their loved ones and healthcare providers.

Support Systems: Family, Friends, and Peer Networks

The fear associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment increases the need for support for cancer patients. Hence, the role that family members, friends, and support systems such as cancer support groups play cannot be overemphasized-as they often form the social support network upon which cancer patients make recovery, deal with undesirable side effects of treatment procedures, and share their deepest fears and frustration.

Safe family members and friends can play important roles by listening without judging you, taking you for a walk, and sharing jokes and laughter when appropriate. This makes individuals with cancer seen, heard, and cared for; which can go a long way in maintaining their emotional balance.

Apart from family members and friends, joining a support group is also a healthy way to maintain psychological well-being during cancer treatment. Through cancer community support, patients can connect with people who share similar journeys, learn how others manage their struggles, and build a sense of belonging. This shared experience can help reduce feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression.

Building on the above statements, a study involving 2,264 women to examine whether the size and quality of social networks influence survival outcomes in women with early stage breast cancer found out that larger social networks were associated with better prognosis after breast cancer, but the benefits were dependent on the quality of relationships and the burden of caregiving. This further highlights the importance of social networks to cancer recovery.

The Importance of Integrating Mental Health Into Oncology Care

Researchers recognize that the relationship between cancer and mental health is bidirectional and complex. While cancer can lead to mental health challenges, most analyses do not show that depression/anxiety increases the risk of developing cancer. That said, the coping mechanisms chosen by those with mental health challenges (smoking, alcohol etc.) may impact risk of developing cancer. This interplay underscores the importance of integrating mental health support into cancer treatment planning to promote holistic well-being and improve treatment outcomes.

Cancer-related cognitive impairment may include changes in memory, executive function, attention, and processing speed. This effect is often seen in approximately 30% of patients before treatment and up to 75% during treatment. In addition, the neurotoxicity of chronic stress from cancer has also been reported. Furthermore, poor mental health can also manifest as feelings of hopelessness, panic attacks, or existential crisis.

However, the integration of mental health strategies into cancer treatment has been found to cushion these effects, and improve:

• Physical and emotional well-being;
• Knowledge and coping skills that support better cancer treatment decision-making;
• Enhance community reintegration;
• Stronger family, community, or social bonds through improved communication strategies;
• More active engagement in care through better communication with oncologist;

In conclusion, integrating mental health into cancer care heals more fully, both physically and emotionally-while making informed choices about their treatment journey.

Resources and Organizations Offering Mental Health Support for Cancer Patients

The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a non-profit organization that provides the following services for cancer patients:

• They provide a 24-hour cancer helpline that connects you with trained cancer information specialists who can answer questions regarding your diagnosis and possible treatment plans.
• Offer holistic care through their ACS EMPOWER programs.
• Provide quality curated information and one-on-one support through their ACS CARES program for cancer patients.
• Connect you with those with cancer survivor experiences.
• Offer a clinical trials matching service
• Provide cancer health tips using their health blogs.
• Deliver cancer recovery support resources to help patients navigate life during and after treatment.

Other organizations where you can find cancer information resources for support include:

• The American Psychological Association (APA)
• Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
• American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)

Put together, these organizations provide a pool of cancer information resources for both cancer patients and their families, ensuring access to emotional support, practical resources, and evidence-based care that can make the cancer journey more manageable and less isolating.

Final Thoughts: Building Emotional Resilience Through the Cancer Journey

They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. For many cancer patients this adage rings true in a profound way. Because despite the multifaceted nature of cancer disease and its devastating effects on both the physical and mental health, many cancer patients travel this path and emerge cancer free, and as a sign of their victory, many often utter these three words; “I beat cancer”. Many learn patience, empathy, joy, being present in the moment, self-awareness, problem solving skills, and perseverance through their cancer journey- all of which are important components of emotional resilience needed to adapt, recover, and thrive in the face of life’s challenges.

Caring for mental health during cancer is just one part of a bigger picture: supporting the body and mind so they can repair, recover, and thrive. Just as emotional resilience strengthens treatment outcomes, cellular resilience plays a key role in long-term health and vitality.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the number one cancer fighting food?

No single food or a combination of foods can fight cancer, however, you can lower your risks by eating healthily and eating “by the rainbow.”.

How long do cancer patients live after diagnosis?

How long you live after cancer diagnosis depends on the type of cancer, stage of cancer diagnosis, exposure to medical care, age and your overall health

What is the most painful cancer?

Pain is largely subjective and many factors impact one’s experience of pain. That said, cancers which involve the nerves are said to be very painful.

Is chemo worth it for pancreatic cancer?

This question falls into “it depends” as so many factors go into what is “worth it.” Age, health, quality of life, and more all factor in and vary from person to person.

What is the most successful pancreatic cancer treatment?

For what is called resectable tumors, the most successful pancreatic cancer treatment is the removal of the tumor through surgery

REFERENCES

Mental Health Challenges in Cancer Patients: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Depression and Anxiety

The Impact of Cancer on Mental Health and the Importance of Supportive Services

Mental health needs in cancer – a call for change

Mental health when you are diagnosed with cancer (Quick Guide)

Anxiety and depression in adult cancer patients: ESMO Clinical Practice Guideline†

Are you missing these signs of anxiety or depression?

Apathy Definition, Causes & Examples

Depression and anxiety in relation to cancer incidence and mortality: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

Depression Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Subsequent Cancer Diagnosis: A Retrospective Cohort Study with 235,404 Patients**

Well-being as a core element of rehabilitation: preventing mental health challenges in a global context

Coping strategies 

Catastrophizing Maladaptive Coping Affects the Association Between Viral Anxiety and Fear of Progression in Cancer Patients During COVID-19 Pandemic

Lived experiences and coping strategies among cancer patients in the Volta Region of Ghana: A health facility-based qualitative study

Relationship between perceived social support and mental health status of the advanced cancer patients receiving palliative care in Bangladesh

Coping with cancer 

How counseling can help

The Role of Exercise and Rehabilitation in the Cancer Care Plan

Occupational Therapy for Adults With Cancer: Why It Matters

Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Patients With Cancer

The role of social support among caregivers of people with cancer from Chinese and Arabic communities: a qualitative study

Psychosocial Support Options for People with Cancer

Social networks, social support, and burden in relationships, and mortality after breast cancer diagnosis in the Life After Breast Cancer Epidemiology (LACE) Study

Role of a mental health physician in the management of oncology patients: a case vignette and the need for collaboration

ACS Patient Programs and Services

How To Find Mental Health Support Service