Depression reduces survival in cancer patients

Anxiety and depression worsen the response to cancer treatments and reduce survival in cancer patients. This was shown by a study published in Nature Medicine, conducted on 227 patients with advanced lung cancer, treated with immunotherapy. Among the patients with emotional distress, only 46 percent were alive after two years, compared with 65 percent of those without such problems, CE Report quotes Kosova Press.

To fill the shortage of psychologists in oncology, present in only 20 percent of Italian hospitals, the online platform 'In buona salute' ('In good health') was created, the first of its kind in Italy, which offers psychological support to patients, caregivers, and operators. Lucia Del Mastro, director of the oncology clinic at the San Martino hospital in Genoa, notes that patients with depression often do not seek psychological help, which can affect the acceptance of treatments and the response to chronic stress, reports HANDLE.

Rosanna D'Antona, president of Europa Donna Italia, stresses the importance of the presence of specialized psychologists from the moment of diagnosis. Gabriella Pravettoni, scientific director of the 'In buona salute' platform, explains that psychological support is essential before, during, and after treatment to improve quality of life and survival. The platform offers emotional support and reliable information, including a cycle of 10 online training sessions.