Study Shows Loneliness Raises Death Risk for Cancer Survivors

Cancer is a common disorder, and it usually affects millions of people all over the world. There are over 18 million cancer survivors in the United States, and this number is expected to go up to 22 million by 2030. According to a recent study published in the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, cancer survivors who feel lonely have a higher risk of death as compared to those who do not.   

This research was conducted by the American Cancer Society (ACS). In this study, researchers involved 3,447 cancer survivors. They divided these survivors into four groups based on the intensity of their loneliness such as the low/no loneliness group, consisting of 24.3% of survivors; the mild loneliness group, consisting of 24.5% of survivors; the moderate loneliness group, consisting of 23.6% of survivors and the severe loneliness group, consisting of 27.6% of survivors. The intensity of loneliness was measured by using the UCLA Loneliness Scale. These participants were asked how often they felt isolated from others and lacked companionship.   

When researchers observed the collected data, they found that the risk of death was higher for the survivors of the severe loneliness group as compared to the low/no loneliness group.  One of the researchers, Jingxuan Zhao, says that cancer survivors undergo a lengthy treatment process. This can affect their relationships with others, and they might start feeling lonely. So, we need to organize some programs to find out if cancer survivors are feeling lonely so that we can help them.  

Community support, mental health counseling, and network involvement should be included in cancer treatment.  Recently, the U.S. Surgeon General also discussed how loneliness can affect people’s health, and this research proved the same.  As this research shows, loneliness increases the risk of death for cancer survivors; healthcare professionals should be conscientious while treating them. They should develop practical strategies to ensure they do not feel lonely while undergoing treatment.   

Reference Link:  

Jingxuan Zhao et al., Loneliness and Mortality Risk Among Cancer Survivors in the United States: A Retrospective, Longitudinal Study, Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (2024).  

 DOI: 10.6004/jnccn.2023.7114