Blood & Cancer

Lorenzo Norris, MD, host of Psychcast, joins Blood & Cancer host David Henry, MD, to discuss steps clinicians can take to alleviate the distress associated with receiving a diagnosis of cancer. Dr. Norris is director of consult liaison psychiatry at George Washington University, Washington. Dr. Henry is clinical professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. Both doctors have no disclosures. A full transcript of this episode is available here: A conversation on mental health and cancer https://bit.ly/2Fgat9k   Take-home points Cancer patients have always been susceptible to developing depression and anxiety after receiving their distressing diagnoses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the risk for depression and anxiety are even greater because patients face separation from their oncology treatment teams and for some, delays in treatment. Major depressive disorder (MDD) occurs in up to one-third of cancer patients, and any depressive disorder can be seen in about half. Another concern