The Intersection of Cancer and Mental Health: Improving Equity and Access to Quality Care

An alarm is being sounded by patients, caregivers, and providers around the high acuity of distress in oncology care. COVID only worked to exacerbate these issues, taxing our nation’s mental health and healthcare systems. The toll on cancer patients is exponential, impacting oral adherence and treatment decisions. Among patients who experienced financial burden and a high risk of depression, 53% skipped or missed doses of their oral drug or postponed filling prescriptions. While the industry is well-versed in the science of cancer, companies have been slow to understand the significance of psychosocial distress on health outcomes. It’s time to talk about it. Let’s elevate the important intersection of cancer and mental health as part of comprehensive cancer care. This panel will explore that intersection – its health and economic impacts, access challenges, public policy issues, and health disparities. It’s time to find solutions and treat the whole person, not just the disease.