Navigating Mental Health Challenges in Cancer Care: Finding Support and Hope

Cancer does not just affect your body, it can also affect your mind and many people will experience significant changes to their emotional health. Finding out you have cancer can have a big impact on a person and their loved ones; and feelings of depression, anxiety, and fear are common. But it is important to remember that there is hope and help available and many cases of mental illness can be treated. Even though a person with depression may also have cancer, it does not mean their depression is any less treatable.

Everyone knows it is better to catch cancer earlier, at stage one instead of later at stage four. The same is true for mental health conditions. Unfortunately, many people with cancer are never told about the chance they will develop a mental health condition like depression nor will they receive treatment for it.

A cancer diagnosis can affect the emotional health of patients, families, and caregivers. Common feelings during this life-changing experience include anxiety, distress, and depression. Roles at home, school, and work can be affected. It’s important to recognize these changes and get help when needed.

• Anxiety

Anxiety means feeling uncomfortable, worried or scared about a real or possible situation.  It’s important to recognize anxiety and take steps to manage it or prevent it from getting worse.

• Depression

Feelings of depression are common in cancer patients, families, and caregivers. Learn how to spot depression and if there is reason to be concerned.

• Distress

Distress is an unpleasant emotion, feeling, thought, condition, or behavior. Being distressed can affect the way you think, feel, or act, and can make it hard to cope with the effects of having cancer.

How Many People With Cancer Have A Mental Health Condition?

• It is estimated that up to one-third of people treated for cancer in hospitals have a common mental health condition.
• Rates of major depressive disorder are thought to be up to three times higher than in the general population.
• Anywhere from 8-24% of people with cancer are also living with depression.
• Youth and young adults are at greater risk for depression and other conditions compared to adults with cancer.

Effects of Surgeries and Chemotherapy on Body Appearance:

• Scarring: Surgical procedures often leave scars, which can vary in size and visibility depending on the type of surgery performed and individual healing processes. Scars may be particularly noticeable if the surgery involves large incisions or removal of tissue. These visible reminders of treatment can trigger feelings of self-consciousness and impact body image..
• Hair Loss: Chemotherapy treatments commonly lead to hair loss, including loss of scalp hair, eyebrows, eyelashes, and body hair. This side effect can occur gradually or suddenly and may have a significant impact on self-esteem and identity.
• Weight Fluctuations:Chemotherapy, medications, and changes in appetite or metabolism can cause weight fluctuations in cancer patients. Some may experience weight loss due to side effects such as nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite, while others may gain weight due to factors like steroid use or hormonal changes.
• Addressing Concerns and Providing Support:Healthcare providers play a crucial role in addressing patients’ concerns about changes in their physical appearance during cancer treatment. Counselling and support groups can offer a safe space for patients to discuss their feelings and receive emotional support from peers and professionals.
• Interventions for Body Image and Self-Esteem:Interventions focused on body image and self-esteem can help patients navigate the emotional impact of changes in appearance. These interventions may include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness techniques, and self-care practices aimed at promoting self-acceptance and resilience.