Depression in cancer patients

Primary care clinicians who care for cancer patients are integral to the recognition, diagnosis, and management of depression in this population. A review of risk factors that may make patients more likely to develop depression can be a useful first step in screening for depression. Several screening instruments may guide clinicians in further work-up of patients suspected of being depressed. Depression is treatable in this patient population and prompt management may have a positive impact on overall outcomes. Pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic treatment options are numerous, and consideration of specific cancer treatments, including side-effect profiles, patient comorbidity, patient preference, and clinician resources, should direct management.