Mental Health & Wellbeing

The emotional impact of lung cancer is real, common, and treatable. You deserve care for your mind as well as your body.

Why mental health matters

Living with lung cancer affects more than your body. Around 1 in 3 people with lung cancer experience depression, and anxiety affects roughly 1 in 4 — making lung cancer one of the cancer types with the highest rates of psychological distress.

Feeling anxious, low, overwhelmed, or uncertain is a normal response to an abnormal situation. But when these feelings persist or interfere with your daily life, treatment, or relationships, professional support can make a real difference.

Mental health support isn't a luxury — it's part of your cancer care. Research shows that addressing depression and anxiety can improve quality of life, help with treatment adherence, and support better outcomes.

👉 The key message: You don't have to cope alone. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Types of Mental Health Support

Psychological Therapy (Talking Therapy)

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches have been shown to reduce depression, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness in lung cancer patients. CBT helps you identify and change unhelpful thought patterns, while mindfulness helps you focus on the present rather than worrying about the future.

Many cancer centres now offer psychology services, and some provide group therapy sessions where you can connect with others facing similar challenges.

Support Groups & Peer Support

Connecting with others who understand your experience can reduce feelings of isolation. Peer support groups — whether in-person or online — offer a safe space to share feelings, ask questions, and learn coping strategies from people who "get it."

Research shows that social support is strongly linked to better mental health outcomes in lung cancer patients.

Medication

Antidepressants or anti-anxiety medication may be recommended if you're experiencing persistent symptoms. These medications can be used safely alongside cancer treatment and are often combined with talking therapy for best results.

Your GP or oncology team can refer you to a psychiatrist if needed.Complementary therapies are things you can use alongside your lung cancer treatment to help with symptoms, side effects, or wellbeing.

What should I know about mental health and lung cancer?

  • "Scanxiety" is the distress and anxiety around medical scans — before, during, and after. Research shows 83% of lung cancer patients experience it. Coping strategies include deep breathing, distraction techniques, scheduling results appointments quickly, and talking openly with your healthcare team about your fears.

  • Yes. Nearly 95% of people with lung cancer face some form of stigma, whether they smoked or not. These feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame are common but you didn't deserve this. Lung cancer has many causes, and everyone deserves compassion and support, regardless of their history.

  • If you've felt persistently sad, anxious, or hopeless for two weeks or more, or if these feelings interfere with daily life, treatment adherence, or relationships, it's time to seek help. Other signs include withdrawing from loved ones, sleep problems, loss of interest in activities, or thoughts of self-harm.

Here we answer some of the most common questions - from ‘scanxiety’ to feelings of isolation.

  • Very likely. Research shows 76% of cancer caregivers experience anxiety, and many develop depression. Caregivers face high stress, burnout risk, and often neglect their own wellbeing. Encourage them to access support groups, counselling, or respite care — caring for themselves helps them care for you.

  • Can depression or anxiety affect my cancer treatment?

    Yes. A National Cancer Institute (NCI) Study of 50,000 Veterans showed that untreated mental health issues can affect treatment adherence, outcomes, and survival. Veterans with lung cancer who received mental health treatment lived substantially longer than those who didn't. Addressing your mental health is part of treating your cancer — not separate from it.

  • You're not alone. Many people with lung cancer feel misunderstood or judged. Peer support groups — where you connect with others who truly "get it" — can be incredibly valuable. These groups (online or in-person) provide a safe space to share feelings without explanation or judgment.

Talk openly with your cancer team about mental health

Nearly 3 in 10 people don't tell their doctor when they're using mental health support (JAMA Oncology, 2019). But keeping silent can mean missing out on helpful resources and safe, coordinated care.

The good news is that mental health is increasingly recognised as part of cancer care. Many oncology teams now routinely ask about mood, anxiety, and wellbeing during appointments. Some hospitals have integrated mental health professionals directly into cancer services.

By being open about how you're feeling, your team can:

*Refer you to appropriate psychological support

*Check if any medications or treatments might be affecting your mood

*Connect you with support groups or other resources