In this video from the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, a clinical specialist at the Duke Cancer Center talks about how important it is to address depression in cancer patients.

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Caryl Fulcher says that healthcare providers need to do a better job of asking people going through cancer treatment about their emotional health and encourage them to talk openly about any depression and anxiety they may be experiencing.

Patients are often embarrassed to talk about their mental health or think that their healthcare provider won’t be interested. But cancer patients who are also suffering from depression often have a worse prognosis than those who don’t have any mental health issues. They are also less likely to adhere to their treatment plan and look after their general health.

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