MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING

MENTAL HEALTH & WELL-BEING

Not actual patients.

Blood Cancer: More Than Just a Physical Challenge

A blood cancer diagnosis challenges patients both physically and emotionally.1 Up to 47% of patients reported feeling anxiety throughout diagnosis, treatment, and recovery.2 Among patients receiving blood cancer treatment, ~31% reported feelings of depression and 34% reported feelings of anxiety.3 The information and resources on this page can help you offer them holistic support.

Factors to Consider When Discussing Patient Mental Health

Face-to-face interventions have been shown to have a significant positive impact on anxiety, depression, and mental health–related quality of life.4 Positive emotional and physical well-being have also been correlated with longer survival and lower mortality.5

Consider the following patient factors to optimize your in-person communications6:

  • Demographics: Age, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, race, gender identity
  • Language: Health literacy, limited English proficiency, need for interpreter
  • Ethnic or Cultural Values: Family structure, religious beliefs, societal expectations for involvement in care
  • Family Dynamics: Support system, caregiver involvement
  • Previous Experiences: Familiarity with cancer, life events

Personalizing communications for your patients

Common patient archetypes are included below, along with strategies that may help best reach them. Employing these strategies may increase patient satisfaction and potentially improve their overall well-being.6

Doctor Knows Best7

Patients who accept the recommendations of their care team with little hesitation

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  • Clearly outline the recommended course of action
  • Demonstrate empathy by recommending what you would do if your parent or loved one were in their situation

Anxious Waiters7

Patients who are worried about the next steps in their journey

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  • Confirm what you heard to ensure an accurate understanding of their concerns
  • Help alleviate their biggest concerns by asking them to expand on what worries them and offering solutions that may help

Proactive Researchers7

Patients who are self-advocates and embrace information

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  • Proactively share what patients may expect and address common concerns to combat misinformation
  • Help them set up lab appointments, future office appointments, etc to ensure continuity of care

In-Control Optimists7

Patients who feel confident about their care plan

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  • Emphasize what signs or symptoms to watch for so important disease indicators are not overlooked
  • Encourage them to continue to be an active participant and engage in their care plan

General Communication Tips

Keep the following in mind as you speak with your patients.6,8

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Try to:

  • Call the patient by name
  • Use probing language
  • Listen more, talk less
  • Speak plainly
  • Ask “Tell me more” or “What does that mean to you?”
  • End the conversation respectfully and outline next steps
  • Connect patients to helpful resources
  • Build a relationship
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Try not to:

  • Say “This is the good cancer”
  • Encourage patients to embrace their new reality
  • Use “but”; instead use “and”
  • Be too direct: balance facts with compassion
  • Promise a specific timeline
  • Become their therapist

References: 1. National Cancer Institute. Emotions and cancer. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/feelings 2. Andersen L, McHugh M, Ulrich CM, Meghani SH, Deng J. A systematic review of coping skill interventions to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms among adults with hematologic malignancies. Eur J Oncol Nurs. 2022;61:102224. 3. Russell K, Moghaddam N, Tickle A. Examining anxiety and depression in haematology cancer patients in ongoing treatment and under watchful waiting: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2022;31(6):e13678. 4. Waddington F, Amerikanou M, Brett J, et al. A systematic review to explore the effectiveness of physical health and psychosocial interventions on anxiety, depression and quality of life in people living with blood cancer. J Psychosoc Oncol. 2024;42(1):113-147. 5. Fontesse S, Fournier V, Gérain P, et al. Happy thus survivor? A systematic review and meta-analysis on the association between cancer survival and positive states, emotions, and traits. Psychooncology. 2023;32(11):1631-1643. 6. National Cancer Institute. Communication in cancer care (PDQ®)—health professional version. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/adjusting-to-cancer/communication-hp-pdq 7. Data on File. REF-229982. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP. 8. Ariadne Labs. Serious illness conversation guide. Accessed September 11, 2025. https://www.ariadnelabs.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Serious-Illness-Conversation-Guide.2023-05-18.pdf