Depression screening in cancer patients: A narrative review

Abstract

Depression is a significant and most common psychological symptom in cancer patients that causes a high risk of emotional and somatic consequences leading to poor quality of life. Despite the high prevalence of depression in cancer patients, the lack of screening and under-diagnosis of depression continues to be common. Numerous studies have shown that depression is a substantial complication in cancer patients that may lead to a variety of psychological and physical (somatic) symptoms. Presently, there are no depression screening practices at the Hamad Medical Corporation’s (HMC) National Center for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR), which is the principle public healthcare provider in the State of Qatar. The aim of this narrative review is to explore depression in cancer and discuss the need for screening for depression and to recommend suggestions and implications for future practice and research.