Mental Illness Stigma Common for Cancer Survivors

As of January 2019, the National Cancer Institute estimated that there were 16.9 million cancer survivors in the United States. By 2030, this number of cancer survivors is projected to increase to 22.2 million.

Along with serious physical challenges, mental health challenges accompany a cancer diagnosis, treatment and beyond.  Addressing the mental health aspect is often overlooked.

Kathleen Maxian, cancer survivor and president of the Ovarian Cancer Project, says the mental health challenges, such as depression and anxiety, are common for cancer survivors.

The Ovarian Cancer Project offers education on the symptoms and risk factors of ovarian cancer and provides support services to women with ovarian and gynecologic cancer and their families.

“There is nothing better than talking to someone who is going through what you are going through,” Maxian said. “It is really an uplift and they feel as if they are not alone.”

A 2020 State of Cancer Survivorship Survey conducted by the National Coalition of Cancer Survivors (NCCS) revealed that cancer survivors face significant challenges both during and after treatment.

The study also indicated that while the cancer care team effectively addresses many of the physical effects of cancer treatment, survivors reported that their care team is not as helpful addressing other effects of their cancer, including fatigue, anxiety, and depression.

“The media tells cancer survivors that they are warriors and need to be courageous and brave,” Maxian said. “They are sideswiped by a cancer diagnosis, may be experiencing financial stress and don’t know where to go for help. The entire family is also impacted by a diagnosis.”

Cancer coaches and mentoring can be extremely important, especially cancer-specific mentors. Maxian suggests national organizations that focus on a particular cancer may be a good place to start to locate mental health services and support.

She encourages cancer survivors not to let the stigma of the word “support group” prevent them from participating. “It really helps lessen the anxiety; it’s OK to reach out for help.” 

The American Cancer Society suggests that survivors talk about feelings and fears that they or family members have, seeking help through support groups and counseling, using mindfulness, prayer, meditation, deep breathing and relaxation.

“When we put so much emphasis on completing treatment and surviving, we feel we are not allowed to talk about the mental struggles,” Maxian said. “Family members often don’t want to talk about it and dismiss the topic of death or fear.”

How can caregivers provide mental health support?: The CDC (www.cdc.gov) offers the following advice:

Be sensitive to your loved one’s feelings and encourage him or her to talk about them with you and other family members and friends.

Encourage your loved one to join a support group.

Ask your loved one’s doctor for a referral to mental health and social support services.

Help your loved one stay as active as possible. Physical activity has been linked to lower rates of depression, as well as lower rates of recurrence of certain kinds of cancer, among survivors.

American Psychosocial Oncology Society operates a toll-free helpline (866-276-7443) to assist people with cancer and their caregivers to find counseling services in their local areas.

Crisis Hotline in Buffalo & Erie County can be reached at 716-834-3131.

Learn more at ovariancancerproject.org.