The Effect of Depression on Cancer Progression and Mortality Among Adults
Open Access
Author:
Lowry, Emily
Area of Honors:
Human Development and Family Studies
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Lynn Margaret Martire, Thesis Supervisor Charles Geier, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
Depression Cancer Mortality
Abstract:
Receiving a diagnosis of cancer is a stressful life event that affects every individual differently. Most respond to a cancer diagnosis with feelings of shock, anger, helplessness, and sadness. However, for some these feelings do not go away and result in depressive symptoms or depression. The question of how depressive symptoms and depression affect cancer progression and mortality has been investigated in studies. This literature review reviewed and synthesized longitudinal research that examines the effect of untreated depressive symptoms and depression on cancer progression and mortality. Results showed conflicting findings across studies due to a variation of samples, cancer types, cancer stages, and depression measures. This review displayed the need for additional examination of depressive symptoms and depression and the effect it has on cancer progression and mortality.
