Depression can affect cancer survival
By Brooke Strickland
Writer for FEP International
A new study conducted by University of British Columbia researchers shows that there is a link to depression and cancer survival rates, with death rates more than 40 percent higher for cancer patients diagnosed with major or minor depressive symptoms. The findings were published in the online edition of the American Cancer Society’s journal Cancer and went on to say that 85 percent of cancer patients believe that their mental state affects how quickly the disease progresses, even though researchers have not confirmed this piece of data.
Depression can take a serious toll on yourself, as well as your family, friends, co-workers, and others around you. There are several symptoms of depression, which can include feeling hopeless, sad, irritable, or constantly fatigued. In addition, people may have a loss of interest in sexual activity, normal daily routines, and may have difficulty sleeping or making decisions. More severe symptoms include thoughts of suicide or unexplained physical problems.
So what are the causes of depression? While there is not necessarily one thing that causes depression, there are several factors that can lead to this disorder. These include:
* Biochemical: Depressed individuals’ brains have been studied in numerous clinical studies and trials, and many times there are physical changes in their brains. This could be from hormonal imbalances r misaligned neurotransmitters.
* Genes: Depression has been shown to run in families. Researchers are looking for ways to find specific genes that can be linked specifically to causing depression.
* Environment: This can be from changes in your life, such as financial problems, relational issues, or other health difficulties.
Life can be a challenge at times. So remember, it is normal and perfectly okay to sometimes feel upset, sad, or down. But if you are continually experiencing these emotions and have some of the other symptoms previously outlined, it is important that you seek advice from a medical professional. Your doctor can perform lab tests, a physical exam, or a psychological evaluation to clearly define what may be the problem. If left untreated, complications may occur, so getting checked out is important to your health on all levels – physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Reference
[1] Depression can affect cancer survival: researchers. Reuters.com. Accessed on the Web September 15, 2009. http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE58D4T920090914
Depression can take a serious toll on yourself, as well as your family, friends, co-workers, and others around you. There are several symptoms of depression, which can include feeling hopeless, sad, irritable, or constantly fatigued. In addition, people may have a loss of interest in sexual activity, normal daily routines, and may have difficulty sleeping or making decisions. More severe symptoms include thoughts of suicide or unexplained physical problems.
So what are the causes of depression? While there is not necessarily one thing that causes depression, there are several factors that can lead to this disorder. These include:
* Biochemical: Depressed individuals’ brains have been studied in numerous clinical studies and trials, and many times there are physical changes in their brains. This could be from hormonal imbalances r misaligned neurotransmitters.
* Genes: Depression has been shown to run in families. Researchers are looking for ways to find specific genes that can be linked specifically to causing depression.
* Environment: This can be from changes in your life, such as financial problems, relational issues, or other health difficulties.
Life can be a challenge at times. So remember, it is normal and perfectly okay to sometimes feel upset, sad, or down. But if you are continually experiencing these emotions and have some of the other symptoms previously outlined, it is important that you seek advice from a medical professional. Your doctor can perform lab tests, a physical exam, or a psychological evaluation to clearly define what may be the problem. If left untreated, complications may occur, so getting checked out is important to your health on all levels – physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Reference
[1] Depression can affect cancer survival: researchers. Reuters.com. Accessed on the Web September 15, 2009. http://www.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUSTRE58D4T920090914
posted by MedRounds Publications at 4:13 PM
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