Study Confirms Link Between Depression and Higher Cancer Rates
9 Jan 2025 • A recent study was conducted in Scotland from 1991-2019 using national linked data. The study evaluated cancer prevalence in those with and without a history of depression-related hospitalization. The study also compared the relation between depression and cancers of the lung, female breast, colorectal, and prostate.
According to the study, the incidence of cancer was 20%–30% higher in people with a history of previous hospital records than in people without depression.
Additionally, the study found a slight rise in colorectal cancer and a high correlation between depression and lung cancer, with an 80% increased risk. The study observed no association between depression and female breast or prostate cancer.
The study emphasizes the need for proactive measures to reduce the incidence of cancer in individuals with diagnosed with depression.