Depression is a forgotten side effect of cancer

ONE in five breast and prostate cancer patients are not getting psychological help following their cancer diagnosis.

Michelle Baker, at home in Adelaide with her dog Coda, says the fear of death 'makes everything feel as though it is falling apart'.

ONE in five breast and prostate cancer patients are not getting psychological help following their cancer diagnosis.

According to one of the largest combined studies of its kind in Australia, conducted in collaboration with the University of New England and Bond University and released yesterday, found all patients had some level of mood alteration following a cancer diagnosis, but for one in five patients it progressed to serious depression.

The research tracked more than 1000 patients who had undergone radiation therapy over the past decade and compared their emotional experiences with the support provided by their GPs.

Michelle Baker, 49, is in remission for secondary breast cancer in her lungs, ribs and spine, but is still battling depression developed after her diagnosis in 2006. The mother of two, whose sister and father died as a result of cancer, first encountered the disease with a primary breast cancer diagnosis in 1991. As a result of the financial, lifestyle and emotional stress her condition brought with it, she developed depression shortly after her secondary diagnosis in 2006.

"It's that fear of death and a complete interruption of life plans that just makes everything feel as though it is falling apart," Ms Baker said. "I found that the doctors didn't understand what I was going through and I didn't want to admit that I was struggling."

Professor David Christie, who was involved in the Psychological Aspects of Breast and Prostate Cancer study, said he was surprised there were still so many cancer patients who were depressed but neglected when it came to psychological help.

"These serious psychological issues often go undetected because doctors are rightly focused on the patient's physical health and many patients aren't comfortable raising the issue," he said.

Ian Olver, chief executive of Cancer Council Australia, said the study demonstrated the need to raise awareness of the psychological issues of cancer.

If you are depressed or contemplating suicide, help is available at Lifeline on 13 11 14.