Public Health Efforts to Address Mental Health Conditions Among Cancer Survivors | AJPH | Vol. 109 Issue S3

Public Health Efforts to Address Mental Health Conditions Among Cancer Survivors | AJPH | Vol. 109 Issue S3

CDC Works to Address Mental Health Concerns of Cancer Survivors

Among the estimated 16.9 million people in the United States who have received a cancer diagnosis, psychological distress is twice as likely to occur compared to those without a history of cancer. A recent publication looks at public health efforts to address the mental health concerns of cancer survivors. Through data, research, and public health partnerships, CDC’s Division of Cancer Prevention and Control supports efforts to improve the mental well-being of cancer survivors. CDC collaborated with the National Association of Chronic Disease Directors to develop aninteractive training to improve health care provider knowledge and communication about cancer survivors mental health needs, and promote recommended distress screening for cancer patients. Nearly 50% of CDC’s National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) awardees have patient navigation programs to help cancer survivors with psychosocial needs related to their diagnosis