Oncology Patient Mental Health Findings to be Presented
A new study shows high rates of anxiety and depression in cancer patients, highlighting a need for better mental health screening.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Cancer
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Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center analyzed electronic records for 21,206 oncology patients to identify prevalence rates of anxiety and depression. The findings, to be presented on October 28, 2026, highlight the high levels of distress reported by patients during their cancer treatment journey.
Why it matters
Identifying mental health trends in oncology is crucial for improving support services for patients. Understanding these prevalence rates helps providers better tailor psychological care to the specific social and personal factors that contribute to patient distress.
This retrospective study reviewed electronic medical records for 21,206 oncology patients at UT Southwestern Medical Center, identifying anxiety and depression via GAD-7 and PHQ-9 screening tools. The study revealed that 26.4% and 35.8% of patients reached the threshold for anxiety and depression, respectively, though whether these patients accessed support remains unknown.
The players
UT Southwestern Medical Center
A major academic medical center specializing in oncology and advanced research.
Yingzi Zhang
A researcher and investigator who led the analysis of patient distress prevalence.
The details
Investigators used the GAD-7 and PHQ-9 screening tools to evaluate patients, with a threshold score of 5 used to indicate potential anxiety or depression. The study analyzed data from 2023 to 2025 to determine associations between distress and demographic or lifestyle factors. Identified correlations included primary language, age, marital status, employment, education, and smoking history, which help distinguish which patients may require more intensive mental health screening.
Timeline
Data collection for the retrospective study occurred from 2023 to 2025.
The research findings will be presented on October 28, 2026, at the American Nurses Enterprise Research Symposium.
Health Landscape
This study aligns with the broader integration of psychosocial screening into routine cancer care using UT Southwestern Medical Center's oncology patient registry. It marks a shift from reactive mental health care toward proactive identification of distress markers within clinical oncology settings.
If you or a loved one are undergoing cancer treatment, these findings underscore the importance of discussing emotional well-being with your care team. Raising questions about mental health support during your next oncology appointment can help you access relevant resources earlier in your treatment.
The takeaway
Anxiety and depression are common in oncology, affecting over one-third of patients in some measures. Tracking your own mood and discussing any persistent distress with your primary oncologist is a proactive step to ensure your mental health is prioritized during your care.
What happens next
Yingzi Zhang plans a future study to track whether oncology patients receive and use support service referrals following initial screenings.
Further reading
For more on managing wellness during treatment, visit our Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Oncnursingnews.
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