Emotional Support and Palliative Care for Distressed Patients Suffering from Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer is associated with a poor prognosis and high mortality. Thus, distress that includes depression and anxiety is a relatively common comorbidity for patients suffering from pancreatic cancer. However, these psychological symptoms are likely to be under-detected and undertreated. Regarding high levels of unmet needs of psychological support for patients with pancreatic cancer, early screening for distress and adequate interventions should be considered in palliative care settings. Suicide, a common but preventable cause of mortality for patients with pancreatic cancer, also deserves the further attention of care providers. Still, there have been limited studies that have documented psychological support for this population. Future research is needed to elucidate appropriate psychological care and models of services for patients suffering from pancreatic cancer.