Psychological Problems Experienced by Cancer Patients: A Comprehensive Review

Year 2025, Volume: 1 Issue: 1, 18 - 24, 30.09.2025

Çağnur Elpen Kodaz

Abstract

Cancer is a complex disease that profoundly affects not only physical health but also the psychological, social, and emotional well-being of individuals. This review aims to comprehensively examine the common psychological problems experienced by cancer patients. Depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress symptoms, body image disorders, cognitive impairments, and social isolation are discussed in terms of prevalence, risk factors, and intervention approaches based on current literature. Additional attention is given to specific cancer types, high-risk groups, multidisciplinary care models, and digital health applications, with an aim to provide a more integrative and holistic understanding of the psychological landscape of oncology care.

Keywords

Cancer patients , Oncology care , psychological problems

Ethical Statement

none

Supporting Institution

none

Thanks

none

References

• Ahles, T. A., Root, J. C., & Ryan, E. L. (2012). Cancer- and cancer treatment-associated cognitive change: An update. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 30(30), 3675‒3683. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2012.41.3364 Amir, Z., & Brocky, J. (2009). Cancer survivorship and employment: Epidemiology. Occupational Medicine, 59(6), 373‒377. https://doi.org/10.1093/occmed/kqp086
• Andersen, B. L., Farrar, W. B., Golden-Kreutz, D. M., Glaser, R., Emery, C. F., Crespin, T. R., Carson, W. E., III. (2004). Psychological, behavioral, and immune changes after a psychological intervention: A clinical trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 22(17), 3570‒3580. https://doi.org/10.1200/jco.2004.06.030
• Berman, R., Al., E., & (2019). Digital health interventions for cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Psycho-Oncology, 28(10), 2007‒2019. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.5221
• Betancourt, J. R., Green, A. R., Carrillo, J. E., & Ananeh-Firempong, O., II. (2003). Defining cultural competence: a practical framework for addressing racial/ethnic disparities in health and health care. Public Health Reports, 118(4), 293‒302. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0033-3549(04)50253-4
• Bleyer, A., Barr, R., & Hayes-Lattin, B. (2008). The distinctive biology of cancer in adolescents and young adults. Nature Reviews Cancer, 8(4), 288-298. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrc2349
• Bradt, J., Dileo, C., Grocke, D., & Magill, L. (2011). Music interventions for improving psychological and physical outcomes in cancer patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (8). https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd006911.pub2
• Breitbart, W., Rosenfeld, B., Gibson, C., Pessin, H., Poppito, S., Nelson, C., ... Olden, M. (2010). Meaning‐centered group psychotherapy for patients with advanced cancer: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Psycho-Oncology, 19(1), 21‒28. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.1556
• Brotto, L. A., Erskine, Y., Carey, M., Ehlen, T., Finlayson, S., Heywood, M., ... Miller, D. (2012). A brief mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral intervention improves sexual functioning versus wait-list control in women treated for gynecologic cancer. Gynecologic Oncology, 125(2), 320‒325. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ygyno.2012.01.035
• Carlson, L. E., & Bultz, B. D. (2003). Health and Quality of Life Outcomes, 1(1), 8. https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7525-1-8
• Carlson, L. E., Groff, S. L., Maciejewski, O., & Bultz, B. D. (2010). Screening for Distress in Lung and Breast Cancer Outpatients: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 28(33), 4884‒4891. https://doi.org/10.1200/jco.2009.27.3698
• Cataldo, J. K., Jahan, T. M., & Pongquan, V. L. (2012). Lung cancer stigma, depression, and quality of life among ever and never smokers. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 16(3), 264‒269. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2011.06.008
• Chochinov, H. M., Hack, T., Hassard, T., Kristjanson, L. J., McClement, S., & Harlos, M. (2005). Dignity Therapy: A Novel Psychotherapeutic Intervention for Patients Near the End of Life. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 23(24), 5520‒5525. https://doi.org/10.1200/jco.2005.08.391
• Classen, C., Butler, L. D., Koopman, C., Miller, E., DiMiceli, S., Giese-Davis, J., & Spiegel, D. (2001). Supportive-expressive group therapy and distress in women with metastatic breast cancer. Archives of General Psychiatry, 58(5), 494-501. https://doi.org/10.1001/archpsyc.58.5.494
• Cordova, M. J., Andrykowski, M. A., Kenady, D. E., McGrath, P. C., Sloan, D. A., & Redd, W. H. (1995). Frequency and correlates of posttraumatic-stress-disorder-like symptoms after treatment for breast cancer. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 63(6), 981‒986. https://doi.org/10.1037//0022-006x.63.6.981
• Cramer, H., Lange, S., Klose, P., Paul, A., & Dobos, G. (2012). Yoga for breast cancer patients and survivors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cancer, 12(1), 412. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2407-12-412
• Custers, J. A. E., Gielissen, M. F. M., Janssen, S. H. V., de Wilt, J. H. W., & Prins, J. B. (2016). Fear of cancer recurrence in colorectal cancer survivors. Supportive Care in Cancer, 24(2), 555‒562. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-015-2808-4
• El‐Jawahri, A. R., Vandusen, H. B., Traeger, L. N., Fishbein, J. N., Keenan, T., Gallagher, E. R., Temel, J. S. (2016). Quality of life and mood predict posttraumatic stress disorder after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Cancer, 122(5), 806‒812. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.29818
• Fallowfield, L., & Jenkins, V. (1999). Effective communication skills are the key to good cancer care. European Journal of Cancer, 35(11), 1592‒1597. https://doi.org/10.1016/s09598049(99)00212-9
• Ferlay, J., Ervik, M., Lam, F., et al. (Eds.). (2024). Global cancer observatory: Cancer today (Version 1.0). International Agency for Research on Cancer. https://gco.iarc.who.int/today
• Feuerstein, M., Todd, B. L., Moskowitz, M. C., Bruns, G. L., Stoler, M. R., Nassif, T., & Yu, X. (2010). Work in cancer survivors: a model for practice and research. Journal of Cancer Survivorship, 4(4), 415‒437. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-010-0154-6
• Flynn, K. E., Reese, J. B., Jeffery, D. D., Abernethy, A. P., Lin, L., Shelby, R. A., Weinfurt, K. P. (2012). Patient experiences with communication about sex during and after treatment for cancer. Psycho-Oncology, 21(6), 594‒601. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.1947
• Fobair, P., Stewart, S. L., Chang, S., D’Onofrio, C., Banks, P. J., & Bloom, J. R. (2006). Body image and sexual problems in young women with breast cancer. Psycho-Oncology, 15(7), 579‒594. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.991
• Franco-Rocha, O. Y., Trainum, K., & Wheldon, C. W. (2024). The psychosocial health of sexual and gender minority people with anal and colorectal cancer: a mixed methods study. Journal of Cancer Survivorship. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11764-024-01611-5
• Greer, S. (1995). Improving quality of life: adjuvant psychological therapy for patients with cancer. Supportive Care in Cancer, 3(4), 248‒251. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00335898
• Hammerlid, E., Silander, E., Hornestam, L., & Sullivan, M. (2001). Health-related quality of life three years after diagnosis of head and neck cancer? A longitudinal study. Head & Neck, 23(2), 113‒125. https://doi.org/10.1002/1097-0347(200102)23:2<113::aid-hed1006>3.0.co;2-w
• Helgeson, V. S., & Cohen, S. (1996). Social support and adjustment to cancer: reconciling descriptive, correlational, and intervention research. Health Psychology, 15(2), 135‒148. https://doi.org/10.1037//0278-6133.15.2.135
• Hill, R. E., Wakefield, C. E., Cohn, R. J., Fardell, J. E., Brierley, M.-E. E., Kothe, E., Mercieca- Bebber, R. (2020). Survivorship Care Plans in Cancer: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Care Plan Outcomes. The Oncologist, 25(2), e351‒e372. https://doi.org/10.1634/theoncologist.2019-0184
• Holland, J. C., & Alici, Y. (2010). Management of distress in cancer patients. J Support Oncol, 8(1), 4-12.Holland, J., & Weiss, T. (2008). The New Standard of Quality Cancer Care: Integrating the Psychosocial Aspects in Routine Cancer From Diagnosis Through Survivorship. The Cancer Journal, 14(6), 425‒428. https://doi.org/10.1097/ppo.0b013e31818d8934
• Janelsins, M. C., Kohli, S., Mohile, S. G., Usuki, K., Ahles, T. A., & Morrow, G. R. (2011). An Update on Cancer- and Chemotherapy-Related Cognitive Dysfunction: Current Status. Seminars in Oncology, 38(3), 431‒438. https://doi.org/10.1053/j.seminoncol.2011.03.014
• Kangas, M., Henry, J. L., & Bryant, R. A. (2002). Posttraumatic stress disorder following cancer: a conceptual and empirical review. Clinical Psychology Review, 22(4), 499‒524. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0272-7358(01)00118-0
• Koch, L., Bertram, H., Eberle, A., Holleczek, B., Schmid-Höpfner, S., Waldmann, A., Arndt, V. (2014). Fear of recurrence in long-term breast cancer survivors-still an issue. Results on prevalence, determinants, and the association with quality of life and depression from the Cancer Survivorship-a multi-regional population-based study. Psycho-Oncology, 23(5), 547‒554. https://doi.org/10.1002/pon.3452
• Li, M., Kennedy, E. B., Byrne, N., Gérin-Lajoie, C., Katz, M. R., Keshavarz, H., Green, E. (2016). Management of Depression in Patients With Cancer: A Clinical Practice Guideline. Journal of Oncology Practice, 12(8), 747‒756. https://doi.org/10.1200/jop.2016.011072
• Linden, W., Vodermaier, A., MacKenzie, R., & Greig, D. (2012). Anxiety and depression after cancer diagnosis: Prevalence rates by cancer type, gender, and age. Journal of Affective Disorders, 141(2‒3), 343‒351. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2012.03.025
• Massie, M. J. (2004). Prevalence of Depression in Patients With Cancer. Journal of the National Cancer Institute Monographs, 2004(32), 57‒71. https://doi.org/10.1093/jncimonographs/lgh014
• McDonald, B. C. (2021). Structural Neuroimaging Findings Related to Adult Non-CNS Cancer and Treatment: Review, Integration, and Implications for Treatment of Cognitive Dysfunction. Neurotherapeutics, 18(2), 792‒810. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13311-021-01096- 5
• Mitchell, A. J., Chan, M., Bhatti, H., Halton, M., Grassi, L., Johansen, C., & Meader, N. (2011). Prevalence of depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder in oncological, haematological, and palliative-care settings: a meta-analysis of 94 interview-based studies. The Lancet Oncology, 12(2), 160‒174. https://doi.org/10.1016/s1470-2045(11)70002-x
• Mittal, M., Kapoor, V., Mohanti, B. K., & Das, S. N. (2010). Functional variants of COX-2 and risk of tobacco-related oral squamous cell carcinoma in high-risk Asian Indians. Oral Oncology, 46(8), 622‒626. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oraloncology.2010.06.002
• Mohr, D. C., Schueller, S. M., Montague, E., Burns, M. N., & Rashidi, P. (2014). The Behavioral Intervention Technology Model: An Integrated Conceptual and Technological Framework for eHealth and mHealth Interventions. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 16(6), e146. https://doi.org/10.2196/jmir.3077
• Moorey, S., Greer, S., Bliss, J., & Law, M. (1998). A comparison of adjuvant psychological therapy and supportive counselling in patients with cancer. Psycho-Oncology, 7(3), 218‒228. https://doi.org/10.1002/(sici)1099-1611(199805/06)7:3<218::aid-pon308>3.0.co;2-d
• Maguire, P. (2000). The use of antidepressants in patients with advanced cancer. Supportive Care in Cancer, 8(4), 265‒267. https://doi.org/10.1007/s005200000170
• Pargeon, K. L., & Hailey, B. J. (1999). Barriers to Effective Cancer Pain Management. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 18(5), 358‒368. https://doi.org/10.1016/s08853924(99)00097-4
• Pasquini, M., & Biondi, M. (2007). Clinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health, 3(1),2. https://doi.org/10.1186/1745-0179-3-2
• Philip, E. J., & Merluzzi, T. V. (2016). Psychosocial issues in post-treatment cancer survivors: Desire for support and challenges in identifying individuals in need. Journal of Psychosocial Oncology, 34(3), 223‒239. https://doi.org/10.1080/07347332.2016.1157716
• Puchalski, C. M., Blatt, B., Kogan, M., & Butler, A. (2014). Spirituality and Health. Academic Medicine, 89(1), 10‒16. https://doi.org/10.1097/acm.0000000000000083
• Pud, D. (2011). Gender differences in predicting quality of life in cancer patients with pain. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 15(5), 486‒491. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejon.2010.12.005
• Rhoten, B. A., Murphy, B., & Ridner, S. H. (2013). Body image in patients with head and neck cancer: A review of the literature. Oral Oncology, 49(8), 753‒760. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oraloncology.2013.04.005
• Rodin, G., Zimmermann, C., Rydall, A., Jones, J., Shepherd, F. A., Moore, M., Gagliese, L. (2007). The Desire for Hastened Death in Patients with Metastatic Cancer. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 33(6), 661‒675. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2006.09.034
• Roth, A. J., Kornblith, A. B., Batel-Copel, L., Peabody, E., Scher, H. I., & Holland, J. C. (1998). Rapid screening for psychologic distress in men with prostate carcinoma. Cancer, 82(10), 1904‒1908. https://doi.org/10.1002/(sici)1097-0142(19980515)82:10<1904::aid-cncr13>3.0.co;2-x
• Semple, C. J., Sullivan, K., Dunwoody, L., & Kernohan, W. G. (2004). Psychosocial Interventions for Patients With Head and Neck Cancer. Cancer Nursing, 27(6), 434-441. https://doi.org/10.1097/00002820-200411000-00002
• Spiegel, D., & Giese-Davis, J. (2003). Depression and cancer: mechanisms and disease progression. Biological Psychiatry, 54(3), 269‒282. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0006-3223(03)00566-3
• Temel, J. S., Greer, J. A., Muzikansky, A., Gallagher, E. R., Admane, S., Jackson, V. A., Lynch,T. J. (2010). Early Palliative Care for Patients with Metastatic Non‒Small-Cell Lung Cancer. New England Journal of Medicine, 363(8), 733‒742. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa1000678
• van’t Spijker, A., Trijsburg, R. W., & Duivenvoorden, H. J. (1997). Psychological Sequelae of Cancer Diagnosis. Psychosomatic Medicine, 59(3), 280‒293. https://doi.org/10.1097/00006842-199705000-00011
• Walker, J., Hansen, C. H., Martin, P., Symeonides, S., Ramessur, R., Murray, G., & Sharpe, M. (2014). Prevalence, associations, and adequacy of treatment of major depression in patients with cancer: a cross-sectional analysis of routinely collected clinical data. The Lancet Psychiatry, 1(5), 343‒350. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2215-0366(14)70313-x
• Wefel, J. S., & Schagen, S. B. (2012). Chemotherapy-related cognitive dysfunction. Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports, 12(3), 267‒275. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-012- 0264-9
• Yap, C., Lee Aiyegbusi, O., Alger, E., Basch, E., Bell, J., Bhatnagar, V., Peipert, J. D. (2024). Advancing patient-centric care: integrating patient reported outcomes for tolerability assessment in early phase clinical trials ‒ insights from an expert virtual roundtable. eClinicalMedicine, 76, 102838. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102838
• Zabora, J., BrintzenhofeSzoc, K., Curbow, B., Hooker, C., & Piantadosi, S. (2001). The prevalence of psychological distress by cancer site. Psycho-Oncology, 10(1), 19‒28. https://doi.org/10.1002/1099-1611(200101/02)10:1<19::aid-pon501>3.0.co;2-6
• Zebrack, B. J. (2011). Psychological, social, and behavioral issues for young adults with cancer. Cancer, 117(S10), 2289‒2294. https://doi.org/10.1002/cncr.26056