NCCN Advocates for Mental Health Awareness During Cancer Care Month

In May, which is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) reaffirms its commitment to supporting individuals facing the challenges associated with cancer. In an effort to assist cancer patients globally, they have made significant resources available, including the latest version of the NCCN Distress Thermometer and Problem List. This handy tool is designed to help healthcare providers quickly assess the mental, physical, social, or spiritual challenges that patients may face regarding their cancer journey.

The NCCN Distress Thermometer is a validated screening tool that uses a simple scale from 0 to 10 to help gauge patients' distress levels, allowing for timely intervention and treatment. Available in over 70 languages, this tool is critical in identifying issues that may hinder a patient's ability to cope with their cancer diagnosis, symptoms, or treatment. The widespread availability of the tool helps ensure that patients around the world have access to the support they require.

"The Mental Health Awareness Month serves as a crucial reminder of the socio-emotional impact that cancer can have on individuals and their families," stated Dr. Crystal S. Denlinger, the president of NCCN. "Quality cancer care means treating the person as a whole, addressing not just their physical health, but also their emotional and psychological concerns that arise during treatment. We continuously update the Distress Thermometer to make sure it reaches as many people as possible, allowing them to access the support they need."

The importance of the Distress Thermometer is reflected in its usage. In 2025 alone, the tool was downloaded nearly 7,000 times from various countries, with notably high usage in Germany, Brazil, India, China, and Switzerland. In a recent study presented at the 2026 NCCN Annual Conference, researchers have validated the NCCN Distress Thermometer as a useful and culturally appropriate tool for identifying psychological distress, particularly in Armenian-speaking patients. This reinforces the necessity of integrating such tolls into standard cancer care practices to foster better support and understanding.

The NCCN indicated that the Distress Thermometer is fundamental to its clinical practice guidelines for oncology, which are rooted in evidence and consensus among thousands of multidisciplinary experts. The guidelines provide comprehensive recommendations on patient care, encompassing many aspects including pain management, fatigue, tobacco cessation, and survivorship.

Alongside the Distress Thermometer, NCCN offers numerous free resources aimed at educating and assisting both healthcare professionals and patients. They have developed an easy-to-understand version of the tool for patients and caregivers, complete with clear visuals and a glossary to facilitate better comprehension. This initiative has been made possible through funding from the NCCN Foundation.

As part of their commitment towards enhancing international cancer care, NCCN continues expanding its range of guidelines and translations, with currently over 90 global adaptations and more than 180 language translations available. Remarkably, almost half of the users accessing NCCN resources via their website are located outside the United States, indicating a global reach and necessity for these tools.

In conclusion, the NCCN’s ongoing efforts during Mental Health Awareness Month highlights the vital connection between emotional well-being and effective cancer treatment. By equipping both patients and healthcare providers with the tools and resources needed to manage distress, the NCCN is setting a precedent for comprehensive cancer care that addresses the totality of a patient’s experience. For additional resources or to access the NCCN Distress Thermometer, visit NCCN.org/distress-thermometer.