Cancer Survivors with Feelings of Loneliness Have Higher Mortality Risk: Study
Cancer survivors who feel lonely tend to have a greater risk of dying, according to a new research study. The study, led by the American Cancer Society (ACS) and published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (JNCCN), found that cancer survivors with the highest levels of loneliness had the highest mortality risk. The researchers analyzed data from the 2008-2018 Health and Retirement Study, involving 3,447 cancer survivors aged 50 years and older.
Loneliness and Mortality Risk Among Cancer Survivors
The study utilized the UCLA Loneliness Scale to assess levels of loneliness, ranging from none to severe. Study author Jingxuan Zhao, a senior associate scientist at the ACS, explained the findings as follows: “In this study, we found that elevated loneliness was associated with higher mortality risk among cancer survivors.” The researchers were surprised by the strong and consistent link between the degree of loneliness reported by cancer survivors and their mortality risk.
Implications and Steps to Addressing Loneliness
The study has important implications for healthcare providers, as it underscores the need to screen for and address loneliness among cancer survivors. With the number of cancer survivors expected to reach 22 million by 2030, the researchers emphasized the urgency of addressing this critical issue. One step to curb loneliness among survivors is to improve social support services and programs. The study also highlights the need for care coordination by cancer care clinicians and primary care providers to ensure timely screening and effective intervention for loneliness.
Insights from Mental Health Experts
Experts in the field of mental health acknowledge the prevalence of the loneliness epidemic among older adults, not limited to cancer survivors. Factors such as retirement, loss of loved ones, health conditions, and cognitive decline contribute to feelings of loneliness and can worsen depression. Licensed clinical social worker Diana Santiago suggests that many older adults limit their social interactions due to illness, fatigue, or physical limitations. Dr. Barbara Krantz, a medical director, emphasizes the importance of healthcare providers screening patients for loneliness as a means to enhance their overall well-being.
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