Early Mental Health Disorders Linked to Higher Cancer Mortality

New study finds over 10% of cancer patients develop mental health issues within a year of diagnosis, increasing risk of death

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A decade-long analysis of University of California health system data found that mental health disorders diagnosed within 12 months of a cancer diagnosis were associated with a more than 50% increased risk for all-cause mortality in the initial 12-35 months after diagnosis. Among 371,897 patients with cancer and no prior mental health disorders, more than 10% developed new disorders within a year of diagnosis, and 35% received psychotropic medications.

Why it matters

Cancer diagnoses often trigger psychological distress and new mental health disorders, which can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. This study provides important insights into the prevalence and impact of early-onset mental health issues among cancer patients, underscoring the need for prompt screening and management of distress following a cancer diagnosis.

The details

Researchers analyzed electronic health records from the University of California, including 371,897 patients with a new cancer diagnosis between 2013-2023 and no prior mental health disorders. They found that 10.6% of patients developed a new mental health disorder within 12 months of their cancer diagnosis, with the likelihood peaking in the first 6 months. The most common new disorders were generalized anxiety, major depression, and adjustment disorders. Patients with these early mental health issues had a 51% higher risk of all-cause mortality in the first 12-35 months after diagnosis. Among those prescribed psychotropic medications, the mortality risk was even higher, at 167% in the first 12-35 months.

  • The study analyzed data from January 2013 to January 2023.
  • The median follow-up duration after cancer diagnosis was 28.2 months.

The players

Amir Ashraf Ganjouei, MD, MPH

Lead author of the study, from the Bakar Computational Health Sciences Institute at the University of California, San Francisco.

University of California Data Discovery Platform

The source of the electronic health record data analyzed in the study.

University of California Health Data Warehouse

The source of the electronic health record data analyzed in the study.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Patients with cancer who experience a mental health condition and are prescribed psychotropic medication after their diagnosis are at an increased risk of all‐cause mortality”

— Amir Ashraf Ganjouei, MD, MPH, Lead author (Cancer)

What’s next

The researchers note that the study was limited by a lack of data on the severity of mental health disorders, cancer stage, and treatment modalities. Future research should aim to further elucidate the complex relationship between cancer, mental health, and mortality.

The takeaway

This study underscores the importance of prompt screening and management of mental health issues following a cancer diagnosis, as early-onset disorders can significantly impact patient outcomes and survival. Healthcare providers should be vigilant in monitoring cancer patients for signs of psychological distress and ensuring timely access to appropriate mental health support and interventions.