Cancer is ‘mentally’ tough

Renfrewshire residents are being reminded of the mental health problems that arise as a result of cancer, too often sidelined according to one charity.

One in three people with cancer will experience a mental health problem such as depression or anxiety disorders before, during or after treatment.

Shocking stat i s t i c s, revealed by The Mental Heath Foundation Scotland, also show that problems often arise at the end of cancer treatment, when there is little or no support at hand.

The charity is calling for person-centred support to be available at all stages of cancer, from diagnosis to post-treatment and beyond.

It has warned that the support network is often patchy and inconsistent across Scotland.

Lee Knifton, head of Mental Health Foundation Scotland, said: “Cancer is not just a physical illness, it can have a profound psychological impact and people expect to receive both physical and emotional support when they need it.

“Too often people are left in the dark about cancer’s impact on mental health.

“But if people are given the right support at the right time they would have greater control over their emotional wellbeing as they go through cancer.”

For more information on support available in Renfrewshire visit www. mentalhealth. org. uk/ scotland