The Hidden Battle: Mental Health Challenges in Cancer Patients
Cancer is more than a physical disease; it is a profound emotional and psychological challenge that affects not only the patient but also their loved ones. While medical treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation are often the focus of care, the mental health impact of cancer is frequently overlooked. This emotional burden can be just as debilitating as the physical symptoms, making it essential to address both aspects for a holistic recovery.
Case 1: Depression
Funmi, a 45-year-old breast cancer patient, initially approached her diagnosis with optimism. However, as chemotherapy began to take its toll—causing hair loss, nausea, and fatigue—she withdrew from her family and refused further treatment. She later confided that she felt “already dead inside” and saw no point in continuing. Her overwhelming sadness, emotional numbness, and sense of hopelessness met the diagnostic criteria for major depressive disorder. With the introduction of cognitive therapy and pharmacological treatment using antidepressants, Funmi began to re-engage with her support network and resumed her chemotherapy. Her story underscores how timely mental health intervention can reawaken the will to fight.
Case 2: Anxiety
Chidi, a 39-year-old lymphoma survivor, had been cancer-free for two years but lived in a constant fear of relapse. Every minor symptom—fatigue, a cough, or an ache—triggered intense anxiety, leading to frequent emergency visits. He was eventually diagnosed with anxiety disorder, a condition where irrational fear of illness disrupts daily life. Psychotherapy sessions and exercises helped him to regain control over his fears. His experience highlights the importance of addressing anxiety, which can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life even after they are considered cancer-free.
Case 3: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Haruna, a 52-year-old prostate cancer survivor, struggled with intrusive thoughts and nightmares about his painful treatment journey. He also felt overwhelming guilt after losing a fellow cancer patient he had befriended during their chemotherapy sessions. He exhibited classic PTSD symptoms—avoidance, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness. His condition improved through trauma-focused therapy and structured peer support groups. Haruna’s case illustrates how the psychological scars of cancer can persist long after the physical battle has ended.
The Broader Picture: Mental Health in Cancer Care
Cancer is a life-altering diagnosis, affecting over 19.3 million people worldwide annually, with an estimated 124,000 new cases in Nigeria each year. While medical advancements have improved survival rates, the psychological dimensions of cancer care remain significantly under-addressed, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Studies indicate that 1 in 3 cancer patients experience serious mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It not only attacks the body but also deeply impacts the mind. Patients often grapple with fear, uncertainty, and existential distress. These conditions often remain undiagnosed and untreated, which may compromise recovery and quality of life.
- Depression: Affecting up to 25% of cancer patients, depression is linked to poor treatment adherence and lower survival rates.
- Anxiety Disorders: Fear of recurrence, treatment side effects, and financial burden contribute to anxiety, affecting nearly 40% of patients.
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Up to 20% of cancer survivors develop PTSD-like symptoms, reliving the trauma of diagnosis and treatment.
How to Support Someone with Cancer
You don’t have to be a mental health practitioner to support someone with cancer. Below are some helpful tips:
- Listen and Be Present: Many cancer patients just need someone who will listen without judgment. Ask how they’re feeling and allow them to talk about their fears.
- Offer Practical Support: Help with simple tasks like cooking, transportation to hospital visits, or running errands. Small acts of kindness reduce stress.
- Encourage Mental Health Care: If someone seems overwhelmed, suggest they talk to a counsellor or join a support group. Let them know seeking help is not a sign of weakness.
- Avoid Toxic Positivity: Telling someone to “stay strong” or “be positive” can sometimes make them feel worse. Instead, acknowledge their pain and reassure them that it’s okay to struggle.
- Support the Family: Caregivers and loved ones also suffer emotional stress. Offering them help—whether it’s babysitting their kids or simply checking in—can make a big difference.
Conclusion
A patient’s mind must be as strong as their body to fight the disease effectively. Their ability to cope, adhere to treatment, and maintain quality of life is heavily influenced by their mental and emotional state. Depression can erode motivation. Anxiety can amplify suffering. Trauma can linger long after the cancer is gone. These are not side issues—they are central to healing.
As professionals, caregivers, family, friends, and community members, we must do more than fight the disease; we must walk alongside those who are suffering, bearing witness to their fear, pain, and resilience. In doing so, we help them reclaim not just their health, but their hope. By listening, showing up, and providing emotional support, we can help cancer patients feel less alone. In the fight against cancer, kindness and understanding are some of the most powerful medicines. Ultimately, in the war against cancer, healing the body saves a life, but healing the mind saves the person.