Abstract
Introduction
To date, no large studies examining the temporal relationship between colorectal cancer (CRC) and the subsequent development of depressive disorders exist. We aimed to assess the incidence of depression post-colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosis.
Methods
To conduct this longitudinal study, we searched the large US population-based database, Explorys (IBM), from January 1, 1999, to January 1, 2021. We investigated new-onset depression and its associated mortality as well as the role of the mental health provider post-CRC diagnosis. Confidence intervals were calculated for all outcomes and multivariate regression analysis was performed.
Results
Incident depression post-CRC diagnosis was 20.8 vs 8.9 per 100 person-years [OR 3.46, p < 0.0001] in the general population and conferred a 123% increased risk of all-cause mortality [P < 0.0001]. Male patients (OR: 1.89) were more likely to become depressed post-CRC diagnosis as compared to females. Moreover, the absolute number of male patients with post-CRC depression was significantly higher than that of females (68% vs 32%; P < 0.0001). In addition, depression after CRC was more common among Whites (OR: 1.68) and patients aged > 65 years (OR: 5.17). Referral to a mental health provider resulted in significantly lower all-cause mortality (3.6% vs 26.9%; p < 0.0001).
Discussion
Our findings advocate for initiating depression screening for high-risk patients post-CRC diagnosis and prompt mental health provider referral.
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SW, SG, AS, HS, SR, and AS assisted with data acquisition, analyses, and manuscript preparation. SW, SJ, AA, and JDF critically revised the manuscript and provided input regarding methodology. JDF provided direct supervision and guidance. SW and SG are the article guarantors. All authors agree to the final version of this manuscript.
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Simcha Weissman and Sara Ghoneim are the co-first authors of this study.
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Weissman, S., Ghoneim, S., Sanayei, A. et al. New-onset depression after colorectal cancer diagnosis: a population-based longitudinal study. Int J Colorectal Dis 36, 2599–2602 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-021-03994-8
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00384-021-03994-8