The Experience of Depression in Older Adults With Cancer: A Qualitative Analysis

TL;DR

This study explores how older adults with cancer experience and perceive depression, revealing their unique perspectives and barriers to seeking mental health care.

Contribution

The study provides new qualitative insights into how older adults with cancer understand and manage depressive symptoms within their cancer journey.

Findings

OACs associate depressive symptoms with their cancer experience, such as fear of treatment.

Depressive symptoms significantly affect daily life, like reduced activity engagement.

OACs often view their symptoms as distinct from clinical depression and avoid seeking treatment.

Abstract

Older adults (≥65 years) will make up 73% of U.S. cancer survivors by 2040. Over 25% of older adults with cancer (OACs) report significant depressive symptoms, linked to worse outcomes. Yet, little is known about OACs’ depression experience. This study explored OACs’ perspectives via focus groups (n = 13 patients receiving or within 6 months of receiving active treatment). Five key themes emerged: (1) OACs conceptualized their depressive symptoms within the context of their cancer experience (e.g., fear of treatment); (2) Depressive symptoms impact daily life (e.g., reduced activity engagement); (3) OACs perceive their depressive symptoms as distinct from clinical depression and “not bad enough” to warrant treatment; (4) OACs prefer self-reliance or support networks over mental health services; (5) Barriers (e.g., appointment burden) limit access to mental health services. Findings highlight OACs’ unique views on depression and suggest that their preference for personal coping strategies may impact mental health service engagement.