Cancer has Cancer

Cancer and your mental health

Cancer has an impact on everyone that it surrounds, there is help out there. Here at Cancer has Cancer we also believe in well balanced mental health, at the beginning of your diagnosis, during treatment and after during your recovery.  If you have been diagnosed with a mental illness prior to your cancer diagnosis, it is important to continue your mental health treatment 

September 11, 2007 The Washington Post  reports thatateam from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston found that at least 50 percent of patients with advanced or terminal cancer are suffering from anxiety, depression or an adjustment disorder. Unfortunately, less than half receive the help they need.

Evaluation and Treatment of Suicidal Patients with Cancer

NAMI Information Helpline
Trained volunteers provide information, referrals, and support to all who have questions about or are affected by serious mental illness. Call 1-800-950-NAMI      .
When to call the doctor? Going through a wide range of emotions is a normal part of coping with cancer. But some things should not be ignored. If your loved one has any of these problems, please call the doctor right away or in a medical emergency call 911:

  • Has thoughts of suicide (or of hurting himself or herself)
  • Is unable to eat or sleep
  • Lacks interest in usual activities for many days
  • Is unable to find pleasure in anything
  • Has emotions that interfere with daily activities and last more than a few days
  • Is confused
  • Has trouble breathing
  • Is sweating more than usual
  • Is very restless
  • Has new or unusual symptoms that cause concern
There is no doubt that cancer changes people's lives. The emotional stress it causes can be overwhelming, but no one has to manage it alone. Your loved one's health care team may seem focused on his or her physical health, but they care about emotional health, too. Keep them involved in and aware of what your loved one is feeling and doing. Learn about and use the resources available to you. Coping with cancer is stressful, but you don't have to do it alone.


Last Medical Review: 09/20/2011
Last Revised: 09/20/2011
Cancer has Cancer