Depression in Cancer Patients: Diagnosis and Treatment

April 22, 2026

This educational activity addresses the high prevalence of depressive disorders among patients with cancer—a rate significantly higher than in the general population and frequently underrecognized in clinical practice. Participants will learn to identify depressive symptoms, understand the impact of untreated depression on cancer outcomes, and apply evidence‑based treatment strategies. Psychopharmacological interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychotherapy, and mindfulness‑based therapies have demonstrated efficacy in reducing anxiety and depressive symptoms. Effective treatment improves adherence to cancer therapies, enhances quality of life, and supports faster recovery. This activity equips clinicians with the skills to recognize, assess, and manage depression in oncology settings or appropriately refer patients for specialized psychiatric care.

Target Audience

  • Physicians
  • Physicians Assistants
  • Advanced Practice Nurses
  • Registered Nurses
  • Licensed Practical Nurses

Learning Objectives

Learners will be able to:

  • Recognize the impact of untreated depression on cancer treatment adherence, recovery trajectory, and overall prognosis.
  • Identify and assess depressive symptoms and demoralization syndrome in patients with cancer, including evaluating safety risks such as suicidal ideation.
  • Describe appropriate treatment for depression in cancer patients or refer to psychiatry/psycho-oncology when indicated.

 

Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

    TeleSpecialists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

    TeleSpecialists designates this Live activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Course opens: 
01/15/2026
Course expires: 
04/21/2027
Event starts: 
04/22/2026 - 12:00pm EDT
Event ends: 
04/22/2026 - 1:00pm EDT
Rating: 
0
Speaker(s)

Shanthi Lewis

has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.
Moderator(s)

Muhammad Saeed, Bcom

has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.
Peer Reviewer(s)

Brandyn Powers, DO

has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.
Planner(s)

Caitlyn Boyd, MHA, MSN, RN, CPHQ, CPAHA-Telestroke

has no relevant financial relationships to disclose at this time.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

    TeleSpecialists is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

    TeleSpecialists designates this Live activity for a maximum of 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Please login or register to take this course.