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This review of the literature looked at how common psychological distress, depression, and anxiety was among patients with low stage kidney cancer and patients with kidney cancer that had spread to other parts of the body, and the effect of this on outcomes in kidney cancer patients.
More than three quarters of the patients with low stage kidney cancer had psychological distress or depression, and more than two thirds of these patients had anxiety. Psychological distress, anxiety, and depression did not affect survival in patients with low stage kidney cancer. However, in patients with advanced or metastatic disease, a high level of distress and depression shortened survival time.
These findings highlight the importance of identifying kidney cancer patients who are experiencing psychological distress, depression, and anxiety. These conditions need to be addressed immediately and effectively, especially in patients with advanced or metastatic disease.
