Heads up, men. Those who suffer from depression were found out to be more likely diagnosed with a more aggressive stage of prostate cancer. Here’s more. These men received less effective treatments and survived shorter times compared to people who were not suffering from depression. Now, that’s something to think about.
According to a study by the University of California, Los Angeles, these negative outcomes may have resulted from various factors concerning depressed individuals. These may include the disease’s impact on cancer processes, the patient’s lack of interest and investment in his overall health and in receiving effective care, and even missed information about prostate cancer screening and treatment.
The study is based on statistics from prostate cancer patients between the years 2004 and 2007 and observed until 2009. About 1,894 men have been identified with a depressive disorder for about two years before their prostate cancer was diagnosed. This means that the depression has possibly affected the occurrence and severity of prostate cancer in men.
The effects of mental health disorders on the diagnosis of certain conditions are greatly ignored most of the time; it even remains unclear. Moreover, depression has been related to increased chances of not being able to get the best out of prostate cancer treatment as well as the overall survival from the cancer.
Although little is known about the relationship of depression and prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes, the researchers warrant the possibility of further examination. What we can all do for now is to live not only a healthy, but a happy and stress-free life.
Prostate Cancer Detection in Florida
Prevention is better than cure. And for prostate cancer, early detection is the best. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Sperling today by calling us at (877) 605-2737 and detect prostate cancer as early as possible. We always look forward to hearing from our valued patients.
About Dr. Dan Sperling
Dan Sperling, MD, DABR, is a board certified radiologist who is globally recognized as a leader in multiparametric MRI for the detection and diagnosis of a range of disease conditions. As Medical Director of the Sperling Prostate Center, Sperling Medical Group and Sperling Neurosurgery Associates, he and his team are on the leading edge of significant change in medical practice. He is the co-author of the new patient book Redefining Prostate Cancer, and is a contributing author on over 25 published studies. For more information, contact the Sperling Prostate Center.
