Year published: 2022
How we did this research: In this study, we used big data from British Columbia. We linked the BC Cancer Registry — which records every cancer diagnosis in the province — with health databases capturing doctors’ visits and hospitalizations. This allowed us to follow nearly 55,000 people diagnosed with colorectal cancer between 1985 and 2017, and compare them to almost 550,000 individuals of the same age and sex who did not have cancer. With this large dataset, we were able to track new cases of anxiety and depression over time and assess how the risk differed between those with and without colorectal cancer.
What we found: These are the key findings from our study:
Overall CRC: Those with colorectal cancer had a slightly higher chance of developing anxiety (11% higher) and depression (3% higher) and compared to those without cancer.
By sex: Males with CRC stood out — they had 15% higher risk of anxiety and 11% higher risk of depression compared to males without cancer.
By age: Those diagnosed under age 50 (early-age onset CRC) had a 41% higher risk of depression compared to those diagnosed over 50.
It is important to note that the mental health outcomes we studied were clinically diagnosed — meaning they were serious enough to come to medical attention.
Why this research matters: With my own experience with colorectal cancer, I know that the impact of cancer extends beyond surgery, chemo, and scans. Mental health challenges like depression and anxiety are not rare—but they are often invisible. Left unrecognized, they can shape quality of life, relationships, and even survival. Too many patients carry this burden quietly, unsure if what they’re experiencing is “normal” or if support is available. Through this research, I hope to shine a light on the hidden mental health toll of colorectal cancer. Looking ahead, the challenge is to move from awareness to action: embedding routine mental health screening into cancer care, creating clear referral pathways, and making sure support is accessible to every patient who needs it.
