DEPRESSION is highly prevalent among women with cervical cancer globally, a new systematic review and meta-analysis has found.1
More than one in three patients with cervical cancer were estimated to have depression, leading researchers to call for the integration of routine mental health screening in cervical cancer care.
Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer poses a significant global health challenge, as the fourth most common cancer in women worldwide.2
It is largely preventable through HPV vaccination and regular screening and can be cured through early detection and treatment.
Estimated Prevalence
Researchers extracted data from 23,825 participants across 20 eligible articles in the study.1
The pooled prevalence of depression among women with cervical cancer was estimated at 38.02%.
Through subgroup analysis, authors found higher rates of depression in studies conducted in Africa, at 52.51%, and after 2020, at 49.15%.
Conversely, European studies reported a lower estimated prevalence of 12.26%.
Rates of depression were higher in cross-sectional studies, at 48.80%, compared with other designs, researchers reported.
More broadly, one in four people who have, or had cancer, experience depression, the American Cancer Society has reported.3
This can begin from soon after diagnosis or even months after treatment has ended.
Recommendations
Researchers pointed to the crucial need for routine mental health screening and psychosocial support in the care plans of women with cervical cancer, particularly in resource-limited settings.
They reported: “Healthcare providers should incorporate systematic depression screening and mental health services into cervical cancer management protocols.”1
They also called for the prioritisation of routine depression screening for patients with cervical cancer, alongside comprehensive psychological support programmes, and enhanced social support mechanisms.
References
1 Teshale et al. Depression among women with cervical cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Psychiatry. 2026;DOI:10.1186/s12888-026-08211-w.
2 World Health Organization. Cervical cancer. Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer. Last accessed: 2 June 2026.
3 American Cancer Society. Depression. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/emotional-mood-changes/depression.html. Last accessed: 2 June 2026.
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