Cognitive behavioral therapy has been shown to have clear benefits for cancer patients

A recent analysis of all relevant published studies reveals clear benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for improving mental health and quality of life in cancer patients. The findings, published in Cancer medicineextend the effects of CBT beyond what has long been known to the general population.

For the analysis, researchers found 132 clinical trials that compared CBT to control groups, including standard therapy, waitlist control, and active/alternative therapy.

In all studies, CBT moderately improved mental health and quality of life in people with past or present cancer, regardless of cancer type. It appeared to have stronger effects in younger individuals. In-person CBT was also more effective than CBT using technology such as web-based videoconferencing platforms.

“In addition to confirming the overall benefit of CBT for people with cancer, this study revealed important nuances of how CBT may be most effective and for which populations. This has major clinical implications for supportive oncology providers,” said corresponding author Anao Zhang, Ph.D., of the University of Michigan.