screening for distress in cancer care

Screening for distress in cancer care involves asking patients about their emotional, psychological, and practical challenges related to their diagnosis and treatment. This process helps healthcare providers identify issues such as anxiety, depression, or social concerns early, so they can offer appropriate support or referral to mental health professionals. The goal is to ensure patients’ overall well-being is addressed alongside their physical health, ultimately improving their quality of life during and after treatment. Regular distress screening is an important part of comprehensive cancer care aimed at supporting patients holistically.