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Many oncologists consider depression part of the illness and often conclude it therefore does not require treatment.
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Many also believe that if the cancer can be treated, then the accompanying depression will remit on its own.
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Many patients deal with the knowledge of having cancer through the expected grieving process. BUT, it may precipitate an episode of major depression in 25%.
Distress Along the Cancer Trajectory
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Uncertainty
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Time to Process
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Existential
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Diagnosis
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Start of treatment
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End of treatment
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Recurrence
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Palliation
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Tolerability/Body Image
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Loss of Hope
Characteristics of Depression vs. Appropriate Sadness
The Distress Thermometer
