Early interventions for depression tied to better cancer survival

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An analysis of more than 265,000 adults with six common cancers found that major depressive disorder was associated with a higher risk of cancer-specific death. Patients who began psychotherapy within four weeks of diagnosis had a 21% lower risk, though only 3% of depressed patients received therapy during that period.

Depression may be an overlooked factor in cancer outcomes, according to a large SEER-Medicare analysis of more than 265,000 adults with six common cancers. Researchers found that patients with major depressive disorder had a higher risk of dying from their cancer, while those who received psychotherapy within four weeks of their cancer diagnosis had a 21% lower risk of cancer-specific mortality. Only 3% of patients with depression received psychotherapy in that early window, however.