Overview
- An analysis of 371,189 adults treated across University of California hospitals found 10.6% developed a new mental health disorder within a year of a cancer diagnosis.
- A new mental health diagnosis in that first year was associated with a 51% higher risk of death in years 1–3, decreasing to 17% in years 3–5 and not evident thereafter.
- Anxiety and depression were the most frequently identified conditions following diagnosis.
- The observational study used 2013–2023 electronic health records and was published in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society.
- Authors reported the findings reproduce prior work and pressed for timely assessment and treatment of distress, a call echoed by UK experts emphasizing holistic support.