Cancer and Mental Health

I spoke to a patient once, who walked me through the greatest milestones in their life. They talked about graduation from college, getting married, buying their first house and having children. Amongst these major life events, they also listed the day they received their cancer diagnosis. At the time, it was very difficult to understand the depth of impact that a diagnosis like this could have. I had nothing in my own life for which to compare it to. However, there was one thing that I could clearly understand. Like buying a house, or graduating from school, a cancer diagnosis was an event that could change someone's life profoundly. And unlike the other examples that were given to me by this patient, most people will never have the opportunity to prepare for news like that. It shouldn't be a surprise to anyone that cancer comes hand in hand with deep and difficult emotions. That isn't to say that everyone's experience with cancer will be the same, or even similar for that matter. However, this page will talk about some of the most common psychological impacts that cancer can have, and what resources are available for those who experience them.

Studies have shown, that up to 50% of people with a cancer diagnosis experience some form of psychological distress (Anderson et al., 2008).  Often, this includes things like depression and anxiety related to their diagnosis. Even a larger portion of individuals will experience negative emotions related to their cancer, even if they do not identify a significant level of distress associated with them. That can mean a lot of sleepless nights, and frustrating days. Arguments. Exhaustion. Sometimes even hopelessness. Sadness, anger, and frustration can be normal reactions to a diagnosis like cancer, and the long and difficult road that follows. But that doesn't mean that they should go unaddressed. Part of cancer treatment includes ensuring the best quality of life possible for a patient, and that requires taking into account the patient as a whole, not just their disease. Patients should not feel afraid to speak up about their mental health. In fact, discussion of emotions and emotional needs with a patient’s oncologist has been associated with lower rates of depression, and increased rates of benefit finding (Hong et al., 2021). One study even showed that talking about psychological and emotional symptoms decreases the need for follow up appointments for medical comorbidities associated with cancer (Stanton et al., 2002). There is benefit to reaching out for support – a thought which inspired the artwork on this page.

Common Emotions

I have heard cancer described as an “emotional rollercoaster”. The emotional burden of cancer can start before you even receive an official diagnosis, and can continue life-long for patients, survivors, and their loved ones. These emotions can include shock, denial, anger, fear, sadness, and even guilt. Anxiety is often a common emotion experienced by patients as well, as it can be difficult to deal with the levels of uncertainty that can often come with cancer. One may also experience loneliness: the feeling that no one else can really understand what they are going through, or the fear of being a burden to those who can offer support. Sometimes all these feelings can knot together so tightly that it can become difficult to tell them all apart. This inspired the abstract work below. Sometimes, this just feels like stress. It is a normal reaction to feel some or all of these things. And it’s okay if you don’t feel any of them. No two people will ever share the exact experience.