Barriers in cancer trajectories of patients with pre‐existing severe mental disorders—A systematic review

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundPatients with pre‐existing severe mental disorders are significantly less likely to receive guideline‐recommended cancer treatment and seems to have a significantly lower rate of cancer survival compared to patients with cancer without mental disorders.AimTo perform a systematic review on barriers at patient‐, provider‐ and system‐levels in cancer trajectories of patients with pre‐existing severe mental disorders.MethodA systematic review was performed following the PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022316020).ResultsNine eligible studies were identified. Barriers at patient‐level included lack of self‐care and ability to recognize physical symptoms and signs. Provider‐level barriers included stigma from health care professionals on mental disorders, whereas system‐level barriers included fragmented health care and consequences of this.ConclusionThis systematic review found that barriers at patient‐, provider‐ and system‐levels exist in cancer trajectories for patients with severe mental disorders, causing disparities in cancer care. Further research is needed to improve cancer trajectories for patients with severe mental disorder.