We know cancer is not just a physical diagnosis—it’s an emotional and psychosocial one, too. From the moment someone hears the words “you have cancer,” their world shifts in every direction. Appointments, treatments, and recovery often take center stage, but beneath it all, many patients are quietly navigating anxiety, fear, grief, and depression. 

This Mental Health Awareness Month, we’re highlighting what research—and countless survivor stories—have made clear: mental health is cancer care, and it deserves just as much attention and compassion.   

Anxiety and Depression Are Common—But Often Overlooked 

A 2023 systematic review found that patients with ovarian cancer frequently experienced anxiety and depression, not only during treatment but in survivorship as well. The emotional strain didn’t disappear after the last round of chemotherapy or surgery—it lingered, affecting daily functioning, relationships, and quality of life. 

For cervical cancer patients who underwent surgery, the numbers are even more striking: 44.9% reported experiencing anxiety, and 36.1% experienced depression. That’s nearly half of all patients grappling with mental health symptoms during one of the most physically and emotionally demanding times of their lives. 

These emotional responses are not just natural reactions to stress—they are real, measurable mental health conditions that deserve care and support. Yet far too many patients are never asked how they’re coping emotionally, and support services remain out of reach for many due to stigma, lack of access, or cost. 

Mental Health Shapes Prevention and Access to Care 

The impact of mental health isn’t limited to those who already have a diagnosis. It also plays a major role in whether people seek preventive care. 

A 2019 study found that Hispanic women with poor mental health were significantly less likely to get screened for cervical cancer, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. When someone is experiencing depression or chronic stress, even basic health tasks—like scheduling a Pap test—can feel overwhelming or impossible. 

This is especially concerning in communities where access to care is already limited and cultural stigma around mental illness or sexual health may prevent open conversations. The study’s findings highlight the urgent need for culturally competent mental health outreach, especially as we work to close screening gaps and improve outcomes across racial and ethnic groups. 

Cervical Cancer and Suicide: A Hidden Crisis 

Perhaps the most alarming insight from recent research is the elevated suicide risk among cervical cancer patients. A national analysis revealed that suicide rates are significantly higher among people with cervical cancer compared to the general population, with the highest risk found among young patients, white individuals, and those with lower income. These findings shine a light on something we don’t often talk about in oncology: the devastating emotional toll that can accompany diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. 

Cervical cancer, unlike many other cancers, is frequently tied to conversations about sexual health, fertility, and stigma. Patients often report feeling isolated or judged, particularly if they lose reproductive ability or experience changes in sexual function. These emotional wounds can run deep, especially without access to supportive mental health care. This data must serve as a wake-up call: we cannot afford to separate mental health from gynecologic cancer care. 

The Path Forward: Whole-Person, Culturally Aware Care 

So, what do we do with all of this information? We begin by recognizing that addressing a patient’s emotional well-being is just as essential as treating their physical symptoms. Integrating mental health screenings into cancer care, especially at diagnosis and during major treatment transitions, can help providers catch signs of depression or distress before they escalate. 

Patients should seek care from providers that honor their beliefs, experiences, and communication styles. That means seeking support and resources in your preferred language, sharing concerns you may have about mental health, and leaning on the support of your community and network, especially in challenging moments. 

To meet patients where they are, providers and other healthcare professionals must continue advocating for systems that ensure access to affordable, trauma-informed mental health support for all patients and caregivers, not just those who know how to ask for it. 

You Are Not Alone 

If you’re a patient, caregiver, or survivor struggling with your mental health, know this: what you’re feeling is valid, and you are not alone. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength, and you are worthy of care that sees your whole self. 

We encourage you to access our free downloadable resource, “Psychosocial Issues & Survivorship: Your Guide,” in English, Spanish, or Mandarin. If you are struggling or someone you know is struggling, help is available when you call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. 

 

References 

1. Ghamari, D., Zhang, Y., Duan, J., Li, J., Yan, R., Duan, Z., & Li, L. (2023). The prevalence of depression and anxiety in women with ovarian cancer: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies. 

1. Haney, K., Khoshnood, B., Kumar, S., & Lopez, J. A. (2019). Effects of the stress: How poor self-rated mental health affected cervical cancer screening rates among Hispanic women during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

1. Hunsberger, K. B., Palisoul, M. L., Clark, L. H., & Kim, K. H. Suicide rates and cervical cancer patients in the United States: Who is most at risk? 

1. Zhao, H., Yao, W., Zhang, H., Yang, S., Zhang, Y., & Yin, J. Prevalence, risk factors and prognostic value of anxiety and depression in cervical cancer patients underwent surgery.