Death Rates Almost 40 Percent Higher in Cancer
Patients Diagnosed with Depression
Researchers did not find a clear association
between depression and cancer progression
Sept. 14, 2009 - Depression can affect a cancer
patient's likelihood of survival. That is the finding of an analysis
published in the November 15, 2009 issue of Cancer, a
peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society. The results
highlight the need for systematic screening of psychological distress
and subsequent treatments.
A number of studies have shown that individuals'
mental attitudes can impact their physical health. To determine the
effects of depression on cancer patients' disease progression and
survival, graduate student Jillian Satin, MA, of the University of
British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, and her colleagues analyzed all
of the studies to date they could identify related to the topic.
The researchers found 26 studies with a total of
9,417 patients that examined the effects of depression on patients'
cancer progression and survival.
"We found an increased risk of death in patients
who report more depressive symptoms than others and also in patients who
have been diagnosed with a depressive disorder, compared to patients who
have not," said Satin.
In the combined studies, the death rates were up to
25 percent higher in patients experiencing depressive symptoms and 39
percent higher in patients diagnosed with major or minor depression.
The increased risks remained even after considering
patients' other clinical characteristics that might affect survival,
indicating that depression may actually play a part in shortening
survival. However, the authors say additional research must be conducted
before any conclusions can be reached. The authors add that their
analysis combined results across different tumor types, so future
studies should look at the effects of depression on different kinds of
cancer.
The investigators note that the actual risk of
death associated with depression in cancer patients is still small, so
patients should not feel that they must maintain a positive attitude to
beat their disease. Nevertheless, the study indicates that it is
important for physicians to regularly screen cancer patients for
depression and to provide appropriate treatments.
The researchers did not find a clear association
between depression and cancer progression, although only three studies
were available for analysis.
Source: "Depression as a predictor of disease
progression and mortality in cancer patients: a meta-analysis." Jillian
R. Satin, Wolfgang Linden, and Melanie J. Phillips. Cancer;
Published Online: September 14, 2009 (DOI: 10.1002/cncr.24561); Print
Issue Date: November 15, 2009.
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Sept. 14, 2009 - Depression can affect a cancer
patient's likelihood of survival. That is the finding of an analysis
published in the November 15, 2009 issue of Cancer, a
peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society. The results
highlight the need for systematic screening of psychological distress
and subsequent treatments.
