Research shows that cancer survivors who feel lonely tend to have a higher risk of death.
The study, led by the American Cancer Society (ACS) and published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (JNCCN), found that: cancer survivor People with the highest levels of loneliness had the highest risk of death, according to a press release.
Researchers extracted data from the Health and Retirement Survey from 2008 to 2018 and analyzed 3,447 cancer survivors aged 50 and older.
The White House declares April 2024 as “Cancer Prevention and Early Detection Month,” drawing attention to cancer cases.
They measured using the UCLA Loneliness Scale level of lonelinessThey range from none to severe.
“This study found that increased loneliness is associated with symptoms such as: high risk of death “Jingxuan Zhao, study author and senior associate scientist in health services research at ACS, told Fox News Digital in an email.
Cancer survivors who feel lonely tend to be at higher risk of death, a new study suggests. (St. Petersburg)
“Previous studies have shown that loneliness is associated with a higher risk of death in the general population, and the results are broadly in line with expectations.”
The researchers were somewhat surprised by the “robustness” of their findings and the fact that mortality risk was related to the degree of loneliness reported by survivors, Zhao noted.
‘Accelerated aging’ increases cancer incidence among young people, new study finds ‘very problematic’
There are more than 18 million cancer survivors in the United States, and that number is expected to rise to 22 million by 2030, the release states.
“We need to address this critical issue now,” Zhao said.
Measures to reduce loneliness among survivors
Based on the findings, researchers are calling for more programs to screen for and improve loneliness. social support For cancer survivors.
“This study has important clinical implications for healthcare providers,” Zhao said.
“For many older adults, retirement, the death of a friend or spouse, loss of mobility, pain, illness, cognitive decline, and lifestyle changes can contribute to a lack of purpose and can cause or worsen depression. ” experts warned. (St. Petersburg)
“Our findings also highlight the importance of care coordination, including: cancer treatment clinician We provide primary care with other specialized health care providers to ensure cancer survivors receive timely screening and effective interventions against loneliness. ”
Professor Zhao said: “This research is particularly timely given recent recommendations by the US Surgeon General on the healing effects of social connections and communities, highlighting the negative effects of loneliness not only on individuals but also on humans. “I have,” he added. public health.”
Surgeon General warns loneliness crisis hitting America could be as deadly as smoking
Lisa A. Lacasse, chair of the ACS Cancer Action Network, emphasized the importance of investing in “patient navigation services” that support the social and emotional needs of survivors.
“No one should have to fight cancer alone, and patient navigators help ensure that no one has to by providing the support they need through complex and confusing diagnoses.” she said in a release.
Mental health experts reveal reactions
Diana Santiago, a licensed clinical social worker and senior adult program supervisor at Caron Treatment Center in Pennsylvania, said loneliness is pervasive. senior citizen It’s “real and prevalent” and not just among cancer survivors.
“Older adults often limit their social interactions and activities due to illness, fatigue, or physical limitations.”
“For many older adults, retirement, the death of a friend or spouse, loss of mobility, pain, illness, cognitive decline, and life changes can leave them feeling a lack of purpose and worsen depression” she told FOX News Digital.
“All of these factors contribute to isolation, and older adults often have limited social interactions and activities due to illness, fatigue, or physical limitations.”
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
Dr. Barbara Krantz, medical director of the Florida branch of Caron Treatment Centers, said she agrees that health care providers need to screen for loneliness.
“If we can identify these patients, we can diagnose, treat and improve their lives and give them hope for the future,” she said.
Experts agreed that providers need to screen for loneliness. (St. Petersburg)
The researchers acknowledged that the ACS study had some limitations.
“Cancer-related information such as type of cancer, stage at diagnosis, and whether the respondent is receiving treatment cancer treatment It was not being systematically collected at the time of the investigation,” Zhao told FOX News Digital.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“Understanding whether these cancer-related factors can alter the association between loneliness and survival will be important for future research.”
For more health articles, visit: www.foxnews.com/health.
