Headline: Beyond the Cure: The Silent Mental Health Battle of Cancer Survivors
A Young Survivor’s Story
At 24, Morgan Newman's world was upended by a cervical cancer diagnosis. After rigorous treatment, follow-up scans appeared clear—offering a glimmer of normalcy. But three months later, nodules appeared in her lungs. A second round of chemotherapy followed.
The Hidden Price of Survival
While the physical battle against cancer is visible, the psychological toll often remains hidden.
Following her treatment, Newman faced severe anxiety and depression. She struggled not only with her emotional state but also with the financial burden of affording therapy. She eventually found a specialist—a therapist who specifically understands cancer survivors.
"It's not just, 'Do you have cancer? Did we get rid of the cancer?' We have to ask, 'What are the issues you're experiencing?' at every step." — Dr. Richard Deming
A National Gap in Care
A national survey conducted by Cancer Nation found a troubling disconnect: roughly one-third of survivors reported an intense anxiety about their cancer returning and a lingering sense of "not feeling like their old self." Yet, only 1 in 5 had actually seen a mental health professional.
The Oncology Gap
Experts argue that the medical system is failing to address the emotional needs of survivors.
"We know how to give pills. We know how to give pain medicine, sleep medicines, but we're not really schooled in the antidepressants," said Patricia Ganz, an oncologist and professor at UCLA. She noted that oncology training often neglects mental health care.
Shelley Fuld Nasso, CEO of Cancer Nation, echoed this sentiment, stating, "Part of it is, I don't think we have enough. I think some people need mental health professionals who really understand cancer."
Iowa: A Critical Shortage
The problem is particularly acute in Iowa, which holds the second-highest rate of new cancer diagnoses in the U.S., according to the Iowa Cancer Registry. Many counties with the highest cancer rates are also the ones with the fewest mental health workers.
A Holistic Model
In Des Moines, the Richard Deming Cancer Center offers a beacon of hope. Their approach integrates mental health directly into cancer care.
- Counseling: One-on-one therapy tailored to survivors.
- Music Therapy: Using creative outlets to process trauma.
- Mindfulness: Techniques to manage stress and recurrence anxiety.
The Bigger Picture
The need is only growing. According to the National Cancer Institute, there were more than 18 million cancer survivors in 2025, a number projected to reach 22 million by 2035. Studies consistently show that survivors are far more likely to experience anxiety and depression lasting years after their treatment ends.