Policy & Research · Texas behavioral health news
More Americans Are Surviving Cancer. But the Mental Health Challenges Can Persist.
KFF Health News – Mental Health · By Natalie Krebs, Iowa Public Radio · June 17, 2026
In plain language
Many people continue to face mental health challenges like anxiety and depression years after surviving cancer. While the number of survivors in the U.S. is growing, the emotional toll of treatment, fear of the cancer returning, and physical changes often go unaddressed. Some survivors find it difficult to find therapists who understand their specific medical experiences. Experts recommend that doctors and families provide more comprehensive support beyond just physical checkups to help survivors manage lingering grief and stress.
AI-generated summary of the source article. Not medical advice.
Key takeaways
- Over 18 million cancer survivors live in the U.S. today, and that number is expected to reach 22 million by 2035.
- One-third of cancer survivors report feeling constant anxiety about their cancer potentially coming back.
- Only about one in five cancer survivors who have finished treatment seek help from a mental health professional.
- Specialized therapy can help survivors process grief over physical changes or long-term side effects like infertility.
- Rural areas often lack mental health providers who are trained in the specific psychological needs of cancer patients.
- Oncology experts are calling for more routine screenings and referrals for depression and anxiety during and after treatment.
Amid advancements in treatment and screening, more Americans are surviving the disease. But many are left with psychological scars, such as lingering anxiety and depression.
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