People with bowel cancer have a high risk of depression

A new study highlights the prevalence of depression in patients with bowel cancer for up to 5 years after receiving cancer treatment

A research team led by the University of Southampton and funded by the Macmillan Cancer Support Center conducted a survey of 872 adult non-metastatic colorectal cancer patients before surgery, and conducted regular follow-up surveys until 60 months after surgery

The first author of the study, Dr.

The survey results showed that more than one-fifth of the participants (21%) reported a clinically significant level of depression before surgery, and this proportion dropped to 14% after 5 years

Further analysis of the results of the study showed that bowel cancer patients with reduced levels of social support are nearly 2.

Although the above results are based on people's experience before the new crown epidemic, there is evidence that the social isolation associated with the pandemic may further worsen the mental health of cancer patients

Dany Bell, a strategy consultant for treatment, medicine and genomics at the Macmillan Cancer Support Center, said: "We know that for many people, being diagnosed with cancer and receiving treatment is the most terrifying thing they have ever faced.

"Cancer affects people differently.

"Anyone who needs cancer support can call the Macmillan support hotline 0808 808 00 00, which is open from 8 am to 8 pm, 7 days a week

The new findings also indicate that bowel cancer patients who receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy are also more likely to experience depression, possibly because these patients often face more complicated treatments, side effects, and longer treatment times

Dr.

"Depression in cancer patients can lead to poor health and well-being, which has an impact on long-term outcomes