Depression and Undertreatment of Depression: Potential Risks and Outcomes in Black Patients with Lung Cancer

Abstract

In the United States, Black men are at higher risk than White men for lung cancer mortality whereas rates are comparable between Black and White women. This article draws from empirical work in lung cancer, mental health, and health disparities to highlight that race and depression may overlap in predicting lower treatment access and utilization and poorer quality of life among patients. Racial barriers to depression identification and treatment in the general population may compound these risks. Prospective data are needed to examine whether depression plays a role in racial disparities in lung cancer outcomes.

KEYWORDS:

• lung cancer
• health disparities
• depression
• mental health care
• psychosocial services

Acknowledgments

This work was funded by Grant 1U54 CA156732 from the National Cancer Institute to Drs. Elyse Park and Sheila Cannon.