October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness of breast cancer, supporting those affected by the disease, and promoting the importance of early detection. While much of the conversation focuses on physical health and treatment outcomes, cancer can also have profound effects on emotional and psychological well-being.
Research consistently shows that individuals diagnosed with breast cancer experience higher rates of anxiety, depression, psychological distress, sleep difficulties, post-traumatic stress symptoms, and fear of cancer recurrence compared to the general population (Fortin et al., 2021; Carreira et al., 2018). These challenges can emerge at any point in the cancer journey, from diagnosis and active treatment through survivorship.
For healthcare and behavioral health providers, understanding this connection is essential. Supporting emotional wellness alongside physical health helps promote more comprehensive, patient-centered care and can improve quality of life for those navigating a cancer diagnosis (Pirl et al., 2023).
How Does Cancer Affect Behavioral Health?
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can create uncertainty, fear, and significant emotional strain for patients and their families. While emotional reactions are expected, some individuals experience persistent psychological symptoms that may require additional support.
Research has found that cancer survivors may face increased risks of depression, anxiety, and other adverse mental health outcomes during both active treatment and survivorship (Carreira et al., 2018; Fortin et al., 2021).
Fear of cancer recurrence is another common concern that can affect emotional well-being long after treatment has ended (Butow et al., 2013; Johns et al., 2019). For some patients, these concerns may interfere with daily functioning, treatment adherence, or overall quality of life.
Why Early Identification Matters
Behavioral health concerns can influence many aspects of a patient’s healthcare experience. Patients experiencing depression, anxiety, or significant emotional distress may face challenges attending appointments, following treatment recommendations, or managing complex care plans.
Early identification through routine screening, clinical observation, and patient-provider communication can help healthcare organizations connect patients with appropriate support before concerns become more significant barriers to care.
Current oncology guidelines emphasize the importance of recognizing and addressing anxiety and depression among cancer survivors through appropriate assessment, referral, and treatment processes (Pirl et al., 2023).
Supporting Whole-Person Care Through Coordination
Addressing behavioral health needs often requires collaboration among primary care providers, oncologists, specialists, behavioral health professionals, and care coordinators.
Effective care coordination may include:
- Early identification of behavioral health concerns
- Established referral pathways for psychiatric services
- Communication among treating providers
- Collaborative treatment planning
- Ongoing follow-up and support
Research suggests that strong communication, collaborative care approaches, and patient-centered treatment planning can contribute to improved healthcare experiences and support positive treatment outcomes (Priebe et al., 2019).
When organizations prioritize coordination across disciplines, patients may experience a more seamless care journey and improved access to the services they need.
Supporting Coordinated Care Through Telepsychiatry Partnerships
As healthcare organizations work to address both the physical and behavioral health needs of patients with cancer, access to timely psychiatric services can play an important role in comprehensive care. However, many organizations continue to face challenges related to provider shortages, extended wait times, and limited access to behavioral health specialists.
Telepsychiatry partnerships can help bridge these gaps by expanding access to psychiatric evaluation and medication management services while supporting collaboration with existing healthcare teams. Integrating telepsychiatry into established care pathways can help organizations strengthen referral networks, improve care coordination, and provide patients with more timely access to behavioral health support when needed (Pirl et al., 2023).
PMPI partners with healthcare organizations, providers, and care teams to support access to psychiatric services through telepsychiatry. By working alongside existing healthcare teams, PMPI helps organizations strengthen integrated care efforts and expand access to behavioral health services as part of a coordinated, whole-person approach to patient care.
Looking Ahead
Cancer care extends beyond treating physical symptoms. A growing body of evidence highlights the importance of addressing the behavioral health challenges that may accompany diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship.
By emphasizing early identification, coordinated referrals, and collaboration across healthcare disciplines, organizations can help ensure patients receive comprehensive support throughout every stage of their cancer care journey. For organizations seeking to strengthen integrated care models, telepsychiatry can offer a practical solution for expanding behavioral health access while maintaining collaboration across the patient’s broader care team.
Signs a Patient May Benefit from Additional Behavioral Health Support
Healthcare providers may consider further assessment or referral when patients demonstrate:
- Persistent anxiety related to diagnosis or treatment
- Symptoms of depression or withdrawal
- Ongoing sleep disturbances
- Significant fear of cancer recurrence
- Difficulty coping with treatment demands
- Changes in engagement with treatment plans
Expand Access to Behavioral Health Support
Behavioral health needs can significantly impact a patient’s healthcare journey. PMPI partners with healthcare organizations to expand access to psychiatric services through telepsychiatry, helping support care coordination, timely referrals, and integrated treatment approaches.
References
Butow, P. N., Bell, M. L., Smith, A. B., Fardell, J. E., Thewes, B., Turner, J., Gilchrist, J., Beith, J., Girgis, A., Sharpe, L., Shih, S., & Mihalopoulos, C. (2013). Conquer fear: Protocol of a randomised controlled trial of a psychological intervention to reduce fear of cancer recurrence. BMC Cancer, 13, Article 201. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-13-201
Carreira, H., Williams, R., Müller, M., Harewood, R., Stanway, S., & Bhaskaran, K. (2018). Associations between breast cancer survivorship and adverse mental health outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 110(12), 1311-1327. https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/djy177
Fortin, J., Leblanc, M., Elgbeili, G., Chiuve, S., Connerney, I., Alfano, C. M., & Joly, F. (2021). The mental health impacts of receiving a breast cancer diagnosis: A meta-analysis. British Journal of Cancer, 125, 1582-1592. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41416-021-01542-3
Johns, S. A., Stutz, P. V., Talib, T. L., Cohee, A. A., Beck-Coon, K. A., Brown, L. F., Wilhelm, L. R., Monahan, P. O., LaPradd, M. L., Champion, V. L., Miller, K. D., & Giesler, R. B. (2019). Acceptance and commitment therapy for breast cancer survivors with fear of cancer recurrence: A 3-arm pilot randomized controlled trial. Cancer, 126(1), 211-218. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.32518
Pirl, W., Nekhlyudov, L., Rowland, J. H., Lacchetti, C., & Andersen, B. L. (2023). Management of anxiety and depression in adult survivors of cancer: ASCO guideline update Q&A. JCO Oncology Practice, 19(9), 714-717. https://doi.org/10.1200/OP.23.00324
Priebe, S., Conneely, M., McCabe, R., & Bird, V. (2019). What can clinicians do to improve outcomes across psychiatric treatments: A conceptual review of non-specific components. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 29, e48. https://doi.org/10.1017/S2045796019000428