Depression creeps into life through many windows. Often these windows are opened when fear and grief are present. A diagnosis of cancer can bring both into a person's life. If the cancer is malignant, a man or woman's future can be at stake. If the prognosis is bleak, the depression can have a severe and deep onset.

Just the word cancer is enough to bring fear to most people. It is an ugly disease that has remained ugly for a long time. Although minor breakthroughs have happened during the past few decades, a pronouncement of a malignant inoperable tumor is still considered a death sentence. At best, cancer means some form of treatment. As the severity of the cancer diagnosis increases, so does the problems associated with the treatments.

A minor skin cancer that can be easily removed can still create a sense of dread until it is removed and declared safe. The fear associated with any cancer will cause many people to start sliding down the slope into depression. The unknowns that come with cancer leave plenty of room for wild speculation. Thinking of the worst possible scenarios makes the depression deepen.

Following the time of fear, comes the realization that life may be cut short. The grieving process is almost always accompanied by depression. An early death will mean that many of life's goals will not be attained. If the person is young, it can mean the abandonment of young children.

Plans and dreams will be lost forever. Worries about how family members will be affected by the cancer outcome intensifies the depression. This is the reason that for years, terminally ill cancer patients were not told the extent of their illness. The idea was that it would give the person more time to live in a happier condition. Unfortunately, it also meant that unfinished business could not be completed before death. Today, the vast majority of cancer patients are informed completely about the disease and the options available to combat it.

Going through chemotherapy and radiation can add to the amount of depression experienced. Loss of weight and hair coupled with fatigue and nausea are almost more than many can endure. The appearance of being ill brings too much sympathy or too much isolation. The person can begin to feel that they will be dying alone. Conversely, he or she may feel guilty that this illness is such a source of pain and suffering to those that are closest to them.

The good news is that most people pass through this period of depression. This allows him or her to confront the disease process and battle it. Also, it gives the opportunity to finish projects, say goodbye to relatives and friends, and to prepare for death.

Even in cases where the cancer may not be fatal, depression can be a major player. Woman having to undergo radical mastectomies, and men who face the impotency from prostate surgery are two instances resulting in the loss of a part of life that is considered vital to many people. She will feel less of a woman. He will feel a loss of manliness.

Cancer pulls depression behind it. When the cancer comes knocking at life's door, depression is almost an inevitable result. It can be defeated, but it requires effort and time.

Learn more about this author, Allen Teal.
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