In March 2025, Equally Well UK hosted a webinar on Improving Outcomes for People Living with Cancer and Severe Mental Illness, shedding light on the disparities in cancer care, early diagnosis and outcomes for individuals living with severe mental illness (SMI). This event, co-hosted with the South East London Cancer Alliance (SELCA) and the Health Innovation Network (HIN) South London, brought together members to reflect on ongoing challenges and emerging solutions in bridging the gap between mental health and cancer care.
Cancer and SMI: A dual challenge
The statistics are stark and troubling. Adults with SMI are twice as likely to die from cancer before the age of 75 compared to people without such conditions. Additionally, they are 18-31% less likely to participate in routine cancer screening. The reasons behind these disparities are complex, rooted in both systemic and individual barriers.
People living with SMI often face difficulties in accessing preventive services, including cancer screening, which can result in late-stage diagnoses where treatment options are limited, and survival chances diminish. Mental health difficulties may also interfere with someone’s ability to recognise early symptoms or navigate a health care system which is often confusing and fragmented
Additionally, there are further complications due to the difficulties in completing cancer treatment, often due to side effects from mental health medications and cancer therapies, logistics such as transport or financial insecurity, or the emotional toll of juggling multiple serious health conditions without effective support.
Lived experience and the need for compassionate care
One of the most powerful aspects of the webinar was hearing from Rime Hadri, a lived experience practitioner from the Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust. She lends a human voice to the statistics, sharing deeply personal and emotional experiences of navigating cancer while living with SMI. Her story highlights not only the emotional strain of diagnosis and treatment but also how often her mental health needs were sidelined in her cancer care.
Rime’s experience aligns with findings from the Enabling Coping in People Living with Cancer and Severe Mental Illness study, presented by Dr. Laura Charlesworth from the Society and College of Radiographers. Her research reveals that many people feel frustrated by impersonal interactions within cancer services and a perceived lack of understanding about their mental health needs. Patients reported feeling dismissed when physical symptoms were wrongly attributed to mental health problems – sometimes with dire consequences due to delayed diagnoses.
A recurring message from participants in the study was the importance of being treated as a person, not merely as a diagnosis or a condition. They called for care that was compassionate, relational, and holistic – where physical and mental health needs were given equal attention. The emotional and psychological impact of cancer on people with SMI cannot be overstated, and yet many felt they were expected to manage this distress alone.
Solutions in progress: Co-designed digital resources
While the webinar painted a sobering picture, it also spotlighted hopeful developments. Many projects are taking place across the country to improve cancer diagnosis and care for people with severe mental illnesses. One such initiative is the creation of co-designed digital resources by SELCA, in partnership with HIN, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, and people with lived experience of SMI and cancer.
These online tools aim to empower people with SMI to feel more confident in managing their health and engaging with cancer-related services. The resources cover essential topics, such as:
- Understanding and reducing cancer risks
- Taking part in screening programs
- Coping with a cancer diagnosis
- Accessing support services
- Maintaining mental wellbeing during cancer treatment
- Navigating health care appointments and disclosing mental health difficulties safely.
More importantly, these modules have been co-created with people who have first hand experience of the issues. They are supported by videos and personal stories – like those shared by Rime – helping to break down fear and build trust in a system that often feels impersonal and inaccessible.
The webinar emphasised that the effectiveness of these tools depends heavily on health care professionals recommending them. Trust in professionals plays a central role in whether people with SMI will engage with new information or initiatives. Therefore, clinicians have a vital role not just in treatment, but also in guidance, advocacy, and reassurance.
We urge our members to explore the resources and join the effort to tackle cancer inequalities.
Recommendations and the road ahead
The research presented and discussions held during the webinar highlighted several key recommendations for tackling the inequities faced by people living with both cancer and SMI:
- Tackle stigma in health settings: More research is needed to explore and dismantle stigmatising attitudes toward people with mental illness within cancer and general health care services
- Integrate support pathways: Health care services must develop integrated care models that simultaneously address mental and physical health. This includes offering mental health support during cancer treatment and ensuring oncology teams are trained to understand and accommodate people’s mental health needs
- Provide reasonable adjustments: Cancer services must provide flexible, tailored approaches to accommodate the unique needs of people with SMI – whether that’s through appointment scheduling, communication methods, or the presence of mental health support workers
- Early identification of SMI in cancer settings: Implementing routine checks for SMI in cancer patients could ensure earlier mental health interventions and more coordinated care
- Help build resilience and provide peer support: Strategies that build resilience – such as peer support programs – can help people with SMI better cope with life-altering diagnoses and the disruptions they bring
- Collaboration and co-Design: Future innovations in care must continue to centre the voices of people with lived experience. Services work better when designed with people, not just for them.
Final thoughts
Cancer is a daunting diagnosis for anyone, but for people already living with severe mental illness, it can be especially isolating and overwhelming. As the webinar revealed, the current health care system still falls short in addressing the complex needs of people who have cancer and live with SMI.
Yet, through collaborative initiatives like those spearheaded by SELCA and HIN, there is real potential for change. Co-designed resources, greater professional awareness, and integrated care pathways are just the beginning of a broader movement to ensure people with SMI are no longer left behind in cancer care.
Above all, the message was clear: treat me as a person, not a condition. This principle should be the foundation of all efforts to improve outcomes and experiences for people facing the dual challenge of cancer and severe mental illness.
Author: Shizana Arshad
