A recent study led by the University of South Australia has uncovered significant trends among men newly diagnosed with prostate cancer in Australia. The research, utilizing data from population-based registries linked with pharmaceutical and medical billing records, revealed heightened rates of GP visits and antidepressant usage among these patients. Specifically, 15% of men began using psychotropic medications immediately after their diagnosis, while only 6.4% sought assistance from mental health services for the first time.
The findings underscore the necessity for integrating mental health screenings into routine prostate cancer care protocols. Lead author Dr. Tenaw Tiruye emphasized the importance of providing mental health support at the time of diagnosis and throughout treatment, rather than relying on patients to seek help independently.
Prostate cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in Australia, with approximately 24,000 new cases annually. Despite generally high survival rates, the study highlighted a significant prevalence of psychological distress among survivors, with up to 40% at risk of mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
Dr. Tiruye noted that the emotional toll of prostate cancer spans from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up, with elevated risks of depression, anxiety, and even suicide compared to the general population.
Over the course of the study period (2012-2020), there was a noticeable increase in psychotropic medication use among prostate cancer patients, rising from 34.5% five years before diagnosis to 40.3% five years post-diagnosis. Antidepressant usage specifically rose from 20.7% to 26%.
Dr. James Antoniadis, a GP and psychotherapist, stressed the importance of routine mental health screenings during and after cancer diagnoses, particularly given men’s historical reluctance to seek medical help for emotional issues.
Professor Mark Morgan from Bond University emphasized the need for holistic care for prostate cancer patients, including active identification of mental health challenges like anxiety and depression, and even suicidality. He highlighted the role of GPs in ensuring coordinated care throughout the cancer treatment process and survivorship.
The study concludes with a recommendation for early mental health screenings during the diagnosis phase to enable timely intervention and improve outcomes for men with prostate cancer. Dr. Antoniadis emphasized the need for strategies to identify and support men at risk of depression and suicide, recognizing that the psychological impact of cancer can often be more debilitating than the disease itself.
