Cancer care is often measured in clinical milestones such as diagnosis, treatment, and remission. But for many individuals, the experience extends beyond physical care. Mental health concerns are common, complex, and closely connected to overall outcomes.
Research shows that 35% to 65% of individuals experience cancer-related mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, and distress [1] [2] . The National Comprehensive Cancer Network recognizes distress as the “6th vital sign” in cancer care [3] , reinforcing the importance of identifying and addressing patient distress alongside physical symptoms. For health plans and employers, this is more than an unmet need. It is a gap that can impact engagement, adherence, and total cost of care.
Mental health support in oncology is not only about emotional well-being. It plays an important role in both clinical and financial outcomes.
When individuals feel supported, they are more likely to stay engaged in treatment, communicate openly with care teams, and make informed decisions. Without that support, gaps can begin to show up. Missed appointments, unmanaged symptoms, and increased use of acute care services can follow. Research has also shown that untreated distress is associated with higher emergency department utilization, highlighting the broader impact of unaddressed mental health needs.
There is also strong evidence linking untreated depression to higher overall healthcare costs [4]. Individuals with cancer experience higher rates of depression than the general population, and when those needs go unaddressed, costs can increase due to greater utilization and more complex care needs. Addressing depression early can help support both individual well-being and more efficient use of healthcare resources.
This is where oncology-specialized mental health support becomes especially important.
General behavioral health services may not fully address the realities and complexities of a cancer diagnosis. Oncology-focused mental health care is designed for the unique challenges individuals face, including managing uncertainty, coping with emotions, communicating with loved ones, and navigating complex care decisions. This allows for earlier intervention and more relevant, practical support.
The impact of this approach is measurable.
Among individuals who screened positive for anxiety or depression, , helping ensure that needs are addressed rather than going unrecognized. In addition, 59% of individuals who engaged with Iris prior to end of life received advance care planning support, helping align care decisions with personal preferences.
These interventions are meaningful for individuals and have a clear connection to cost.
By supporting individuals in managing distress, care coordination, and decision-making, integrated oncology-specialized mental health support can help reduce avoidable utilization.
For health plans and employers, this highlights the need to take a more integrated approach to cancer care.
Mental health support should be integrated into cancer care alongside clinical guidance, navigation, and resource coordination. When care addresses the full range of a person’s needs, individuals are more likely to receive timely, appropriate support across both medical and non-medical areas.
Iris brings this together through a virtual care model that connects members with oncology-specialized mental health therapists, along with navigation and ongoing support. The focus is on helping individuals navigate the emotional, behavioral, and practical aspects of care in a way that feels coordinated and accessible.
As cancer rates continue to rise, particularly among younger populations, the need for this kind of support will only grow.
For organizations focused on improving outcomes while managing costs, integrating mental health into oncology care is not an added benefit. It is foundational to delivering high-quality care.
References:
[1] HR Brew. “Cancer rates are rising among people under age 50. Here’s why employers should care.”
[2] JAMA Network. “Patterns in Cancer Incidence Among People Younger Than 50 Years in the US, 2010 to 2019.”
[3] National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Distress Management Guidelines.
[4] Depress Anxiety. “Prevalence, associations, and adequacy of treatment of major depression in patients with cancer: a cross-sectional analysis of routinely collected clinical data.”