Study: Depression among cancer patients 'overlooked'

Large numbers of cancer patients suffer from major depression and in the vast majority of cases their mental anguish is being overlooked or ignored, a study has found.

A survey of more than 21,000 patients in Scotland found rates of clinical depression ranging from 6% to 13%, compared with a prevalence of just 2% in the general population.

Of the 1,130 who had been diagnosed, almost three quarters (73%) were not receiving any kind of effective treatment.

The findings, reported in the journal The Lancet Psychiatry, were revealed as doctors reported promising results from two trials testing a new approach to managing depression in cancer patients.

SMaRT (Symptom Management Research Trials) Oncology 2 and 3 used specially trained nurses to deliver a range of psychiatric care including behavioural therapies and medication.