NCCN Highlights Global Commitment to Cancer Distress Resources During Mental Health Awareness Month

In a notable endeavor to address the complex emotional and psychological struggles faced by cancer patients, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) has reinforced its commitment to enhancing mental health resources during May, designated as Mental Health Awareness Month. This initiative aims to provide patients worldwide with vital support systems that cater to the comprehensive aspects of cancer care, including their emotional wellbeing.

The NCCN announces the availability of the latest version of the NCCN Distress Thermometer and Problem List, a validated screening tool designed to swiftly identify and manage distress among cancer patients. This tool utilizes a straightforward 0-10 scale, enabling healthcare professionals to efficiently assess a range of issues—be they emotional, physical, social, or spiritual—that may hinder patients from effectively navigating their cancer journey and treatment process.

Accessible in over 70 languages, the Distress Thermometer empowers healthcare providers globally, ensuring that no patient is left without the necessary support. By making these resources available in multiple languages, the NCCN acknowledges the diverse linguistic backgrounds of cancer patients around the world, and emphasizes its commitment to culturally sensitive care. Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, the NCCN’s Chief Executive Officer, states, “May serves as a crucial reminder of how social-emotional wellness affects individuals battling cancer. An exemplary cancer treatment approach encompasses addressing all physical and psychological challenges.”

The NCCN has invested significantly in making these resources available and user-friendly. With an updated version designed for both patients and caregivers, these materials include plain language explanations, visual aids, and glossaries, ensuring comprehensive understanding and accessibility. Such initiatives are crucial in creating an inclusive environment for cancer care, allowing patients to feel secure in expressing their concerns and challenges.

As highlighted by the NCCN, the Distress Thermometer has been downloaded nearly 7,000 times globally, with significant usage in countries such as Germany, Brazil, India, China, and Switzerland in 2025 alone. Research findings, presented during the NCCN Annual Conference 2026, confirm the reliability of the Distress Thermometer as an effective and culturally appropriate tool for identifying psychological issues among Armenian-speaking patients. This demonstrates the NCCN's commitment to integrating research-backed methodologies that enhance cancer treatment and support.

The Distress Thermometer, recognized in an independent peer-reviewed study across 25 countries, has been validated as a dependable indicator of stress—an essential aspect of cancer care that often goes overlooked. As the NCCN continues to provide these critical resources, it emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach in oncology, ensuring that patients receive not only medical treatment but also the emotional and psychological support they need. These resources are included in the comprehensive library of evidence-based clinical practice guidelines developed by the NCCN, encompassing nearly 91 different guidelines addressing various cancers, treatment methods, and supportive care practices.

In conclusion, the NCCN's dedication to making its resources universally accessible stands as a testament to its mission of improving global cancer care. The organization encourages anyone seeking assistance or resources to visit the NCCN website to access the Distress Thermometer and explore other materials designed to foster a supportive community for cancer patients and their caregivers. By prioritizing the mental health of individuals facing cancer, the NCCN plays a vital role in ensuring that every patient can lead a better quality of life through comprehensive support.

For more information on accessing these resources, visit NCCN.org/distress-thermometer.