Newly Diagnosed

Spirit of Strength (SOS) Project:

Help for Cancer Patients and Survivors Coping with Depression

For an informational brochure, click here.

This new study is focused on developing effective treatments for cancer patients who are struggling with feeling stressed, depressed, or anxious.  Many individuals diagnosed with cancer have difficulty coping, including feeling sad or anxious.  These feelings are normal and usually diminish as a person adjusts to the diagnosis.  However, for some these feelings continue. 

We can help determine if you are depressed and if you are in need of treatment to help you get through this difficult time.  Our treatment is designed specifically to help cancer patients and survivors who are coping with depression. 

Interested patients should contact us (click here) to complete a brief telephone interview to determine your eligibility.  Those eligible will complete an assessment of current symptoms and functioning.  All eligible patients will be offered individual psychological therapy through the Psychological Services Center in the Department of Psychology at The Ohio State University.  Treatment will be provided on a no fee basis.  Treatment will consist of 12-20 sessions with a MA-level or PHD clinical psychologist that will help patients reduce stress, become more active in their daily lives, and change depressive/anxious feelings and thoughts. 

Who is eligible? 

• Persons with a history and/or current diagnosis of cancer.  This includes patients with cancer recurrence. 
• Persons found to have major depression.  These problems include some or all of the following:  feelings of depression (persistent sad or "empty" mood for most of the day); guilt, worthlessness, helplessness; loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities most of the day; feeling "slowed down" or restless almost every day, enough for others to notice; and/or suicidal feelings or thoughts, among others. 
• Persons that are able to travel to Columbus, Ohio for 12-20 weekly therapy sessions.
• Persons taking medication for depression and anxiety are eligible and will not be asked to discontinue medication. 

Who is NOT eligible?

• Persons already seeing a psychologist or licensed clinical social worker for therapy.  (Persons seeing a psychiatrist or primary care physician for medication-management are eligible.) 

Quality of Life for Survivors of Cancer 

Cancer has become a survivable disease for many. There is currently great interest in discovering how patients cope across their lifespan.  This web-based survey will assess survivors' quality of life, including their moods, family relationships, sexuality, and daily activities, time spent on the job or in retirement, general health, and related topics. We hope a diverse group of patients will participate, women and men, people with any site of cancer, racial or ethnic minority patients and many others.  This survey is currently available on our website.

Who is eligible?

Anyone previously diagnosed with invasive cancer at any time during his or her lifetime, including childhood (e.g., leukemia survivors).

Who is NOT eligible?

Individuals never diagnosed with cancer.

To take our Cancer Survivor Survey please click here.