Psychotherapy Could Save Millions: Integrating Mental Health into Cancer Treatment
The global cancer burden is staggering, with over 20 million new cases and nearly 10 million deaths annually. A growing body of evidence suggests that integrating psychotherapy into cancer treatment could save lives and reduce this burden. However, mental health services face challenges, including stigma and unequal access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Chronic stress, a known risk factor for cancer, can overburden the body's equilibrium, making it vulnerable to disease. Neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine influence immune function, and an imbalance can render the body susceptible to physical illness. Psychotherapy can reduce stress, resolve negative thinking styles, and build resilience, serving as a preventive measure for cancer.
Cancer patients who receive psychotherapy alongside medical therapy show lower cortisol levels, stronger immune functions, and greater psychological resilience. Despite these benefits, psychotherapy is not widely used due to stigmatization and unequal access. Health systems need to normalize mental health, integrate services, and ensure policy and funding to fully utilize the power of psychotherapy for cancer prevention. Countries like Germany face a shortage of trained psychotherapists, which impacts mental health services broadly, potentially influencing overall prevention and health promotion indirectly.
The human body's constant communication between the endocrine system and the brain, exemplified by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, underscores the importance of addressing mental health in cancer prevention. By integrating psychotherapy into cancer treatment worldwide, we can potentially save lives and reduce the global cancer burden. However, addressing stigmatization, unequal access, and workforce shortages is crucial for realizing this potential.
