Mental disorders associated with recent cancer diagnosis: Results from a nationally representative survey

Receiving a diagnosis of cancer may be associated with increased risk of mental disorders. Yet, in this context, no factor predicts the onset of a mental disorder besides the diagnosis of cancer itself. If patients with a history of mental disorder are at particular risk is unknown.

Data were derived from a large national sample of the US population. Face-to-face surveys were conducted on 36309 adults during 2012-2013 period. Data were used to examine the associations among the past-year prevalence of mental disorders (according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5), the treatment-seeking rates and a recent cancer diagnosis. Data were analysed according to the antecedents of mental disorder in participants and according the presence of a recent cancer diagnosis.

Participants recently diagnosed with cancer (n = 1300) were significantly at higher risk to present suicide attempt (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.23-10.04), post-traumatic stress disorder (AOR = 2.25; 95% CI = 1.71-2.96), bipolar disorder (AOR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.46-3.38) and drug use disorder (AOR = 1.64; 95% CI = 1.13-3.39). The prevalence of most of the mental disorders considered was significantly higher for participants with a history of mental disorder compared with participants without such a history. Conversely, a recent diagnosis of cancer was not associated with significant differences in the incidence of mental disorders in participants with no history of mental disorder.

Patients with a history of mental disorder receiving a cancer diagnosis are at high risk of relapse and should be closely monitored.