Anxiety and Depression

Cancer is scary and stressful, and all cancer patients experience some level of anxiety during and after their treatment.  A large percentage, as much as 70%, may be clinically depressed at some point during their cancer journey.  Both anxiety and depression can be short lived (related to a specific event, or time during treatment) or chronic (lasting for weeks or months).  These feelings may be normal for cancer patients, but that doesn't mean you have to suffer alone or in silence if you experience anxiety and/or depression.

Because so many share these feelings, finding sources of support is not difficult.  Be sure to communicate emotional issues to your treatment team.  Emotional issues, related to a cancer diagnosis and treatment, are addressed in many ways, from support groups and talk therapy, to medication.
 

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