Study finds one-third of cancer patients suffer from PTSD symptoms

A study conducted by researchers at the Medical University of Vienna indicates that approximately 32.5% of cancer patients exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The research, published in the journal ‘Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences’, surveyed 4,013 patients receiving outpatient care for tumors or malignant blood diseases.

The study found that the prevalence of PTSD symptoms was highest among those with breast cancer (39.7%), female genital tumors (37.2%), and head and neck tumors (36.1%). Researchers noted that women, younger patients, and individuals with lower incomes were more frequently affected by these psychological issues.

Given that roughly 400,000 people in Austria live with a cancer diagnosis, the authors emphasize the need for psychosocial screenings and the integration of mental health support into oncological care to address these significant, yet often underestimated, psychological burdens.