Over 30% of cancer patients diagnosed with depression

JOHANNESBURG -  With more than 30-percent of cancer patients diagnosed with depression, the South African Society of Psychiatrists is calling for greater awareness of patients suffering from mental health disorders.

This as it marks National Cancer Survivors Day on Sunday.

READ: Cancer deaths on the rise

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, causing an estimated one in six deaths.

Dr Michelle King says treatment is available. 

She said, "For so many people just hearing you have cancer strikes fear, normal to go through feeling of grief and sadness - these ate normal emotions - but it becomes problematic when you cant cope anymore - affects ability to function and make decisions and affects quality of life... research being depressed will affect mentality and mobility."