Unmet Mental Health Care Needs in Distressed Cancer Patients & Survivors
Journal article published in the journal Psycho-Oncology: Journal of Psychological, Social, and Behavioral Dimensions of Cancer
November 5, 2025
Introduction
About one in three people living with cancer experience significant emotional distress. Despite this, many individuals do not want, seek, or receive mental health care. Understanding the barriers that influence whether people obtain support can help improve how psychosocial services are designed
This study was sponsored by Bristol‐Myers Squibb, Genentech (a member of the Roche Group),
Novartis and BeiGene.
Authors
Erica E. Fortune, PhD1, Melissa F. Miller, PhD, MPH, Julie S. Olson, PhD
- Cancer Support Community, Washington, DC, USA
- Inova Peterson Life with Cancer, Inova Schar Cancer, Fairfax, Virginia, USA
Methods
This study analyzed survey data from 300 distressed adults who participated in the Cancer Support Community’s Cancer Experience Registry in August 2022. Researchers examined how different types of barriers, including attitudinal, stigma-related, instrumental, financial, and accessibility barriers, were associated with individuals’ mental health care needs. Need status was categorized as having needs met, having unmet needs, or reporting low perceived need or reluctance to seek care. Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate these relationships while accounting for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics.
Results
Among participants, 38% reported that their mental health care needs were met, 25% reported unmet needs, and 37% reported low perceived need or reluctance to seek care.
Higher attitudinal barrier scores, such as beliefs about mental health care or doubts about its benefits, were strongly associated with both unmet need and reluctance to seek care. Greater accessibility barriers, including challenges related to availability or access to services, were also associated with unmet needs. In contrast, stigma, instrumental challenges, and financial barriers were not significant predictors when other factors were considered.
Conclusions
These findings suggest that personal beliefs about mental health care and system-level access barriers play a key role in whether people with cancer seek or receive support. Efforts to normalize mental health care, educate patients about its benefits, and integrate psychosocial services within oncology settings may help reduce the burden of distress more effectively than strategies focused solely on cost or logistical barriers.
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Managing Stress and Distress in Cancer
This resource outlines common emotional challenges during cancer, including anxiety and depression, and offers strategies to help manage distress and support well-being.
Finding Emotional Support
Find cancer support when, where, and how you need it most. We offer a variety of free programs and services for cancer patients, survivors, loved ones, and caregivers.
Cancer Support Helpline
This service connects individuals with trained navigators who provide emotional support, resource referrals, and guidance to help overcome barriers to care.