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Depression May Significantly Increase the Risk of Cancer Mortality
October 7, 2026
A new study has investigated the association between depression developing after a cancer diagnosis and the risk of mortality. Published in the international scientific journal GeroScience, the study was led by Prof. Dr. Balázs Győrffy, Director of the Institute for Transdisciplinary Discoveries at the Medical School of the University of Pécs.
The systematic review and meta-analysis summarized the findings of 65 previous cohort studies examining colorectal, breast, lung and prostate cancer, as well as mixed cancer populations.
The results showed that depression was associated with a higher risk of mortality across all cancer types examined. The risk was 83% higher for colorectal cancer, 74% higher for prostate cancer, 59% higher for lung cancer, and 23% higher for breast cancer among patients with depression. When different cancer types were analyzed together, depression was associated with a 38% higher risk of mortality.
Several factors may contribute to this association. Depression may be linked to chronic inflammation, changes in immune function and dysregulation of the body's stress response. It may also affect treatment adherence and lifestyle factors, making it more difficult for patients to follow cancer treatments and potentially contributing to physical inactivity and other unhealthy behaviors.
Importantly, the findings demonstrate an association but do not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The studies included in the analysis were observational cohort studies, and they differed in methodology, patient characteristics and the way depression was assessed. Further research is therefore needed.
The study highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing the mental health of cancer patients as an integral part of comprehensive cancer care. The authors suggest that routine screening for depression and appropriate psychological support may contribute to more holistic, patient-centred oncology care.
Journal reference:
Ungvari Z, Fekete M, Buda A, Lehoczki A, Fekete JT, Varga P, Ungvari A, Győrffy B. Depression increases cancer mortality by 23–83%: a meta-analysis of 65 studies across five major cancer types. GeroScience. 2025;48:293–309.
DOI: 10.1007/s11357-025-01676-9.