Revolutionary Cancer Care: What 93% of Patients Wish They Knew Sooner!

A cancer diagnosis can significantly disrupt a patient’s life, affecting both physical and mental well-being. In this context, comprehensive support for mental and emotional health is crucial. “When we integrate evidence-based mental health support alongside oncology, patients feel better, function better, and often do better with treatment. Behavioral health is a core part of comprehensive and collaborative cancer care,” says Dr. Kyle Lavin, a psychiatrist and associate professor in the UNC School of Medicine’s psychiatry department, who also treats patients within the UNC Palliative Care and Comprehensive Cancer Support programs.

As co-founder and chief medical officer for Cerula Care, which provides virtual collaborative care for oncology patients, Dr. Lavin emphasizes the benefits of this integrated approach. So, how does collaborative care work?

Collaborative care embeds a behavioral health team directly into cancer care, rather than treating it as a separate service. This model typically includes:

• Consulting psychiatrist: guides diagnostic clarification and medication strategies that fit oncology regimens.
• Behavioral health care manager: coordinates assessments, brief therapeutic interventions, and care plans.

Programs like Cerula Care deliver these services virtually, making psychosocial support more accessible for patients. This integrated care model has been shown to significantly improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, while also enhancing cancer treatment outcomes.

Cancer treatments can lead to a range of physical symptoms, including fatigue, pain, nausea, insomnia, and cognitive dysfunction often referred to as “chemo brain.” These physical challenges can exacerbate emotional distress, creating a cycle that complicates recovery. The first collaborative care models emerged about seven years ago, and data from numerous oncology practices indicate that virtual collaborative care can lead to meaningful improvements in depression and anxiety within just two months of care. These models also positively influence treatment adherence and health equity.

In a comprehensive analysis of breast cancer patients, those who participated in integrated virtual behavioral health care reported significant reductions in depression and anxiety over a five-month period, maintaining initial gains observed at the two-month mark. More than 90 randomized controlled trials have established the collaborative care model as the gold standard for delivering superior mental health care. This approach allows for measurement-based care, utilizing validated screening tools to routinely track anxiety and depression levels. If patients are not improving, care plans can be adjusted swiftly.

Cancer care often involves critical decisions, such as when to start or pause therapies, how to manage side effects, or balancing clinic visits with family and work responsibilities. Behavioral health teams provide essential support by helping patients clarify goals, formulate action plans, and establish habits that promote medication adherence and attendance at appointments. For instance, a grandfather with cancer aiming to see his grandson graduate from high school can have his values and goals factored into his treatment planning, ensuring that care pathways align with his personal aspirations.

Behavioral health support has been shown to be beneficial for patients. In an analysis of breast cancer patients receiving care through Cerula Care, 70% reported that this support helped them attend oncology visits, while 65% felt it aided their adherence to medication schedules. This support includes practical help like transportation, childcare, and coordination with oncology teams, which ultimately improves outcomes amidst the demands of a rigorous treatment schedule.

It's also important to recognize that cancer impacts not just the patients, but their families as well. Social workers and care managers are trained to assist loved ones in understanding the disease, fostering effective communication, and preparing for shifting roles within the family. They provide psychoeducation, caregiver coaching, and connections to support groups. When families are engaged and informed, patients encounter fewer barriers to care, leading to more consistent follow-through on treatment plans.

Notably, improvements in quality of life within collaborative behavioral health programs have been significantly associated with minority status. This suggests a potential for these models to help reduce disparities in cancer care, providing a more equitable framework for treatment and support.