Depression Toolkit

 It is normal to experience feelings of sadness and grief with a cancer diagnosis. However, when these symptoms intensify and are prolonged, or a person is having trouble carrying out day-to-day activities, it could indicate a depression diagnosis. The good news is depression can be treated. Early identification and treatment of depression are important in cancer care—not only to improve one’s quality of life, but also adherence to cancer treatment.

Depression can significantly impact patients undergoing cancer treatment, including non-compliance with treatment, side effects from treatment, additional needs for mental health support and medications, lost work time and lost wages, transportation, and reduced quality of personal relationships.

5/2025