Exploring ways we can provide emotional support to those overcoming obstacles

By Caleb Yi

The battle with cancer is a life-changing event and an incredibly difficult challenge in itself. And those going through this physical obstacle face a silent challenge, which is their mental health. Patients fighting off cancer take an emotional toll; only a fraction are offered mental health professionals, all while psycho-oncology continues to be underfunded. But with organizations like the Cancer Support Community, which offers free nationwide mental health counseling and the innovation of routine distress screening, we can see a brighter future. 

A saddening statistic from the National Cancer Institute states that around 25-33% of cancer patients experience clinical depression, and up to 45% report anxiety symptoms during their treatment. Cancer patients deserve peace of mind and proper mental health during and after their treatment, and this lack of assistance is reflected in their staggering levels of depression and anxiety. In addition, a 2021 study with JAMA Oncology found that 1 in 4 cancer survivors met criteria for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The lack of support for these struggling patients is often forgotten about, leaving them in bad places throughout their battle. With many experiencing grief, loss of independence, loss of a sense of identity, fear of mortality, hopelessness - along with the loss of things they once had - it’s easy to see why anxiety, depression, and PTSD are so prevalent.

A large problem is that for those who want help, it can be unavailable or inaccessible. A 2024 survey of oncologists found that fewer than 1 in 4 smaller or community-based clinics, affiliated with larger hospitals, offer mental health services. And at the top cancer centers, access to psychological care remains inconsistent. And while the Commission of Cancer watches over mental health by requiring distress screening, many fail to follow through with treatment or referrals. This leaves patients who need assistance without proper medication or help. Currently, only about 2% of all cancer research funding is given to psychosocial and psycho-oncology, according to the National Institutes of Health, leaving mental health assistance for cancer patients underfunded. An oncology editorial labelled this global neglect a “silent failure” in cancer care. 

To combat this, the Cancer Support Community has created a nationwide program that helps people with their mental health. The CSC provides weekly support groups hosted by licensed counselors who help with specific cancer types and stages, one-on-one counseling, and help patients navigate their lives. Additionally, they offer workshops on grief assistance, anxiety management, and mindfulness, along with art and journaling therapy. The Distress Thermometer, a screening tool developed by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, detects emotional, psychological, and practical distress in cancer patients. By using a 0-10 distress scale with a problem list where the patients check off a list of concerns, this 2-3 minute check-in ensures a systematic follow-up and more referrals. In fact, referral rates rose from 5.5% to 69.1% using this new screening tool, leading to more assistance and treatment. If we recognize that mental health is a real issue and important, then every cancer patient can get the support, healing, and help they deserve. 

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