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New Research Highlights Need for Routine Mental Health Support
A recent study from the University of South Australia has called for the integration of mental health screenings into routine prostate cancer diagnoses. This recommendation stems from findings that underscore the significant psychological support needs of men both during and immediately after a prostate cancer diagnosis.
The study reveals that 15% of prostate cancer patients began mental health medications directly following their diagnosis, while 6% sought mental health support. This data is notable as it not only emphasizes the proportion of patients who actively seek help but also those who do not.
Dr. Tenaw Tiruye, the lead researcher of the study, stated that the findings underscore an urgent need to provide mental health services and support to all men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer remains the second most common cancer among men globally, as reported by the Prostate Cancer Foundation, based in California. Despite high survival rates, psychological issues frequently emerge as a significant unmet need among survivors.
The study highlights that rates of depression and anxiety among prostate cancer patients are substantially higher than those in the general population, with an increased risk of suicide. Despite this, fewer than a quarter of men seek help for their mental health issues, reflecting a concerning stigma around mental health.
Dr. Kerri Beckmann, a senior researcher at the University of South Australia, noted that the reluctance of many men to seek help for mental health concerns necessitates a proactive approach. “Rather than waiting for men to seek mental health support on their own, we should be offering it at the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment,” Dr. Beckmann said.
The study advocates for normalizing discussions around mental health to improve access to well-being tools and services. By doing so, it aims to ensure that men with prostate cancer have the opportunity to express their concerns and receive the necessary support.
