Beyond Survival: The Hidden Impact of Depression on Life After Cancer

Purpose Depression is common among patients with cancer and is known to worsen quality of life (QoL). However, less is known about how a prior history of depression affects QoL in long-term survivors. This study examined whether cancer survivors with a history of depression report poorer QoL compared to those without depression. Methods Data from the 2022 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a nationally representative phone-based survey, were analyzed. Adults ≥ 18 years with a history of cancer were stratified by presence of depression. Demographics and QoL indicators—including emotional support, social isolation, cancer-related pain, memory concerns, and ability to complete daily activities—were compared using Chi-square analyses. Results Of 72,765 cancer survivors, 21% reported a history of depression. Compared to non-depressed survivors, those with depression were younger, less likely to be married, and more likely to have lower income, obesity, and smoking (p < 0.001). They reported poorer mental (35% vs. 6%) and physical (34% vs. 15%) health days, lower life satisfaction (15% vs. 3%), reduced emotional support (66% vs. 84%), and greater functional limitations (p < 0.001). Depression prevalence was highest among brain (38%) and gynecologic (36%) cancer survivors. Conclusions Comorbid depression among cancer survivors is strongly associated with poorer QoL across emotional, social, and functional domains. Implications for Cancer Survivors Integrating depression screening and psychosocial interventions into survivorship care is critical to improving long-term well-being and daily functioning.