Study: Colorectal Cancer Linked to Depression in Women, African-Americans

Michigan State University researchers report that colorectal cancer is more likely to produce symptoms of depression in women and African-Americans, and say the disease and its treatment can have a significant negative impact on their mental functioning.

The researchers studied 158 colorectal cancer patients 65 years of age or older in a single midwestern U.S. state, and said they found gender and race a significant predictor of depressive symptoms.

Reporting in the journal Supportive Care in Cancer, the researchers said they found that in patients whose physical and social functioning was the most restricted, the levels of depressive symptoms also increased.

"The disease and its stage, treatment, and attendant symptoms can have significant negative impact on the mental functioning of these patients," the researchers said.

"At a clinical level of patient care, these findings mandate early identification of psychosocial difficulties experienced, an individualized symptom management plan and the application of other interventions, such as information giving, reassurance and referral to other resources, with particular attention to African American and female patients," the researchers concluded.

Other Sources: Supportive Care in Cancer