Cancer patients with depression less likely to recover well after treatment
From Medical News Today –
New research shows colorectal cancer patients who have depression when they are diagnosed are significantly less likely to make a good recovery following surgery than patients without depression. The researchers say the groundbreaking study shows the important role mental health plays in cancer recovery and the need to cater for each patient’s individual needs before, during, and long after their treatment has finished.
The new research is part of the largest study of its kind, by Macmillan Cancer Support and the University of Southampton – both in the United Kingdom – that is following the lives of over 1,000 colorectal cancer patients treated at 29 UK hospitals. The study covers the period from before surgery in 2010-2012 to at least 5 years afterward.