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Mental health and cancer

Coping with a cancer diagnosis

Mental health is a huge issue for cancer patients and their families, and something that is often not mentioned in consultations. A patient’s mental health can be affected for a variety of reasons. Firstly, there is the shock of the cancer diagnosis, which is one of the most stressful things that can happen to anybody in their life. This is often replaced by stoicism and” survival mode” in order to get through treatment. Often, once treatment has been completed, the enormity of what has happened hits patients and they can suffer a reaction which is similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. This can lead to severe anxiety and depression. For loved ones, anxiety and depression tend to occur earlier, usually during the patient’s treatment.

coping with cancer
Mental health and cancer

Mental health can be affected for other reasons too, such as concern about the future, financial worries, worries about holding down a job, and worries about children and other family members. In my practice, dealing with mental health issues is an integral part of the overall treatment plan, not something to be brushed under the carpet. It is important to access allied health professionals for expert advice, such as registered counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatrists.

Talking therapy can be a huge benefit to cancer patients and their families in helping them come to terms with the diagnosis, prognosis, and side effects of treatment. Sometimes drug treatment is also needed, and medication can be prescribed to help symptoms of depression, anxiety, and poor sleep.

It is very important to recognise the psychological problems associated with a cancer diagnosis and treatment, in order that these can be dealt with sooner rather than later. This can have a massive effect at improving quality of life.

I always tell my patients to prepare for a worst possible outcome, but hope for the best. This is because patients can then get their affairs in order, and deal with the consequences of a potential worst-case scenario. This can also reduce some of the anxiety, and in my experience, when we actually prepare for a worst-case scenario, usually it does not happen.

Having a positive outlook has been shown to translate into improved survival. Patients who give up mentally, and give in to their disease, have poorer survival overall. This illustrates the importance of dealing with these issues head on, and as early as possible. Please discuss them with your oncologist.

If you would like to speak with Dr Andy Gaya about Mental health and cancer, click here to make an appointment

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My PA is Danielle Thornton.

T: +44 (0)20 7034 6160
E: gayapas@thelondonclinic.co.uk
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