Cancer patients benefit from mental health treatments

A clinical study shows that cognitive-behavioral therapy during cancer treatment leads to better quality of life and savings for healthcare systems

Editorial staff

A clinical study with 459 patients undergoing cancer treatment and their caretakers, conducted in the United States, shows that one hour of cognitive-behavioral therapy per week improves quality of life by reducing pain, depression, and fatigue. The results were published in The Lancet.

The researchers, led by professor Jennifer Steel, of the University of Pittsburgh, also observed a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases in the family members who care for these patients, as well as lower costs for the healthcare system.

Researchers calculated that, if the measures were adopted, the healthcare system would save US$4 million for every 250 patients, even if the treatment were offered free of charge (the United States does not offer public healthcare). This was the first intervention carried out in the United States, in the context of cancer, to show financial savings.

“The current standard of care, which includes screening patients for these symptoms and referring them to a provider for treatment, is not working,” said Steel in a press release. “Our integrated screening and treatment program provides meaningful support to patients and can save hospitals millions of dollars by preventing readmissions,” she added.

Half of the patients underwent integrated mental health screening and were referred to an intervention group, as well as being connected with a professional for weekly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) sessions.

The one-hour sessions, via telemedicine, were integrated into the oncology treatment plan and were conducted for 12 weeks. If CBT alone was not proving beneficial, the patients were offered the appropriate medication.

Fewer hospitalizations

Those who received integrated mental health treatment along with cancer treatment visited the ER less often and had fewer hospitalizations, spending fewer days in the hospital than those who did not undergo the intervention.

Many studies have already demonstrated that symptoms such as depression and pain are associated with higher rates of visits to the ER and new hospitalizations, in addition to high healthcare costs and low survival rates.

For nearly two decades, screening for depressive symptoms and referral for treatment has become standard in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. However, many barriers prevent most patients from beginning mental health treatment.

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