Predictors and Outcomes of Mental Health Conditions Among Patients with Colorectal Cancer

Mental health (MH) conditions are common in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) due to the unique challenges these patients encounter. The primary aim was to investigate predictors of new onset MH conditions after a diagnosis of CRC and determine the association of new MH conditions on survival.

A single institution, retrospective study was conducted. A multivariable Fine-Gray competing risks model was used to describe the primary study outcome of new MH diagnosis in patients at least 18 years of age with CRC. Survival was modeled using Cox proportional hazards regression with a time-varying covariate for new MH diagnosis.

456 patients were identified for inclusion, with 16% developing a new MH condition and 29% dying during follow-up. A new MH condition was more likely among non-Hispanic white patients compared to non-Hispanic black and were less likely among those who are male or had a pre-cancer MH condition. The onset of a new MH condition was associated with a threefold decrease in survival. In addition, having a pre-cancer MH condition decreased survival nearly twofold.

Our findings emphasize the importance of new-onset MH in patients after CRC diagnosis. Standardized screenings may alleviate some of the MH burden that patients with CRC experience in addition to potentially improving the overall health of patients.

MH conditions may impact not only CRC outcomes but may direct future studies analyzing the risks of new onset MH conditions in other types of cancers, further expanding the importance of psychiatric support in patients with cancer.