Digital Health Interventions for Psychosocial Distress (Anxiety and Depression) in Cancer

Abstract

While therapist-administered psychological interventions for cancer-related distress are demonstrably effective, they have been limited by low uptake. Consequently, interest in digital health interventions for psychosocial distress in cancer has surged. This chapter outlines the current evidence base for digital health interventions for adults with cancer distress, covering (1) interventions that connect patients to one another, or to health care practitioners, and (2) patient online self-management. The chapter addresses the full treatment trajectory from diagnosis through survivorship, as well as advanced/palliative populations. While promising, this field faces notable limitations/challenges, and recommendations for future research and clinical translation are therefore discussed.