A cancer diagnosis can increase the risk of psychological distress in individuals with and without a history of mental illness and substance use. In addition, cancer mortality rates are higher in those that have a pre-existing mental health condition, that’s why centering on early detection and screening is a critical priority for individuals with mental illness that may be at risk for a cancer diagnosis. [i][ii] To find out more information on improving the practice of cancer screening for your agency, check out the below fact sheet by CDC’s ScreenOutCancer campaign.

Improving the Practice of Cancer Screening: How Your Public Health Agency Can Help

 

Sources

[i] Druss B., Zhao L., Von Esenwein S., Morrato EH., Marcus SC. (2011). Understanding excess mortality in persons with mental illness: 17-year follow up of a nationally representative US survey. Med Care;49(6):599–604.

[ii]Kisely S., Crowe E., Lawrence D. (2013). JAMA Psychiatry. 209-217. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2013.278.