ASHVINS: Managing Depression in Cancer Patients in India
BackgroundDepression has a prevalence of around 30% in patients with cancer. Research shows that managing comorbid depression can be beneficial for overall care of cancer. But in India, there is no systematic identification or treatment of comorbid depression in such cases. Even in tertiary care centres, depression is managed only if patients express florid symptoms, and routine screening is not done. The effect of not treating depression both on the health of the individual and the economic impact on the health system can be quite significant as it reduces treatment adherence, increases emergency visits and hospital admissions, and prolongs illness.Monitoring mood fluctuations and linking them with stressors, both those related to cancer or those related to psychosocial issues, are key components of integrated cancer care. Strategies to increase awareness about one’s mental health status through self-monitoring and facilitate contact with mental health professionals using an algorithm-based referral system