Depression
Key Points/Overview

At times it is taken for granted that cancer may cause depression, that depression is a normal part of dealing with cancer, or that depression cannot be alleviated for a person suffering from cancer. These assumptions are false. Depression can be treated and should be treated even when a person is undergoing complex cancer treatment, has other illnesses, or has advanced cancer. Depression is a highly treatable condition that greater than 70% of the time responds to medication and non-medication treatment regimens. The severity of the depression, other conditions present, and the medical treatments being used must be considered to determine the appropriate treatment. If you are experiencing depression, or think that you may be, explore methods for alleviating depression with your healthcare provider.