Clinical & translational oncology : official publication of the Federation of Spanish Oncology Societies and of the National Cancer Institute of MexicoMar 31, 2025

Psychological support may reduce negative emotions, pain, and improve sleep in advanced colon cancer patients

Gut-Brain Axis Weekly Brief ↗PubMed ↗DOI ↗

Updated Apr 6, 2026

Abstract

Psychological interventions are associated with a significant reduction in anxiety and depression scores in patients with advanced colon cancer.

The observation group experienced a more significant decrease in anxiety and depression levels compared to the control group (P < 0.05).
Patients receiving psychological interventions reported lower pain levels than those in the control group, as indicated by Visual Analog Scale scores.
Sleep quality improved in the observation group, as measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, compared to the control group.
Overall quality of life was markedly higher in the observation group, as assessed by the Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (QLQ-30) (P < 0.05).
Further studies are needed to investigate the long-term effects of psychological interventions on prognosis.

Simplified

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of psychological interventions in improving negative emotions, pain, and sleep quality among patients with advanced colon cancer.

METHODS: From March 2021 to March 2023, a total of 218 patients with advanced colon cancer were selected from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients were randomly assigned to either the control group or the observation group (109 patients each) using a random number table. The control group received standard medical care, while the observation group received psychological interventions. Both groups were assessed for anxiety and depression levels [using the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS)], sleep quality [measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI)], pain intensity [using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS)], and overall quality of life. Inter-group comparisons were conducted.

RESULTS: Post-intervention assessments showed a decrease in SAS and SDS scores for both groups, with the observation group demonstrating a more significant reduction (P < 0.05). Additionally, the observation group reported significantly lower pain levels (VAS scores) and improved sleep quality (PSQI scores) compared to the control group, along with a markedly higher quality of life as measured by the Quality of Life Core Questionnaire (QLQ-30) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that psychological interventions effectively alleviate anxiety, depression, pain, and sleep disturbances in patients with advanced colon cancer, thereby improving their overall quality of life. However, further studies are required to explore the long-term impact on prognosis.

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Psychological support may reduce negative emotions, pain, and improve sleep in advanced colon cancer patients

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