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Depression and increased cancer risk: a 10-year population-based cohort study
Chang-Hwan Baek1, Hyeon Ji Kim2, Minkook Son2,3
1Department of Psychiatry, Dong-A University College of Medicine, 26 Daeshingongwon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan, 49201, Republic of Korea.
Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology
|June 1, 2026
Summary
Depression is linked to a higher risk of developing cancer, especially pancreatic cancer. This suggests that depression may serve as an early warning sign for cancer development.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The relationship between depression and cancer risk is not fully understood.
- Previous studies have yielded inconsistent findings regarding this association.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between depression and the risk of developing cancer.
- To clarify the uncertainty surrounding depression as a risk factor for various cancers.
Main Methods:
- A nationwide retrospective cohort study of 227,251 Korean adults without prior cancer.
- Depression identified via diagnostic codes; cancer cases ascertained through health records until 2019.
- Cox proportional hazards models used to estimate cancer risk, with adjustments for multiple variables.
Main Results:
- Depression significantly increased the risk of overall cancer (adjusted HR, 1.12).
- A notable association was observed for pancreatic cancer (adjusted HR, 1.44).
- Findings were consistent across subgroup and sensitivity analyses, with a slightly stronger association in men.
Conclusions:
- Depression is associated with an elevated risk of overall cancer, particularly pancreatic cancer.
- These findings highlight depression as a potential early indicator of cancer risk.
- Further research may explore the biological and behavioral mechanisms linking depression and cancer.
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