Individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder die nearly 30 years earlier than the general population, and cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death among this group. People with serious mental illness are more than twice as likely to die from cancer, less likely to receive timely, high quality cancer care, and more likely to be excluded from clinical trials. Access to early, integrated psychiatric care may improve cancer treatment for patients with mental illness.
Directed by Kelly E. Irwin, MD, MPH, the mission of the Collaborative Care and Community Engagement Program is to promote equity in cancer care for patients affected by mental illness, and to support their families and caregivers. Through clinical innovation, research, education, and advocacy, the Program aims to prevent premature cancer mortality and improve the quality of life of individuals affected by mental illness and cancer.
In 2016, the Collaborative Care and Community Engagement Program conducted the first-of-its-kind pilot study of a person-centered, team-based approach to cancer care for patients with schizophrenia and cancer. The approach was informed by the collaborative care model and personalized to address the specific challenge of cancer and mental illness:
A team-based approach to care, timely access to mental health services, and strong communication with patients and caregivers are essential to helping these men and women get the treatment that they need and deserve.
View our Dissemination Strategies document.
View the needs assessment of our stakeholder groups.
Clinical Trials:
BRIDGE: Proactive Psychiatry Consultation and Case Management for Patients With Cancer
Publications:
Unlearning Our Helplessness — Coexisting Serious Mental and Medical Illness
N Engl J Med. 2016 Oct 27;375(17):1690-1694.
A 63-Year-Old Woman with Bipolar Disorder, Cancer, and Worsening Depression
N Engl J Med. 2016 Sep 29;375(13):1270-81. doi: 10.1056/NEJMcpc1609309.
Learn more about the people behind the Collaborative Care and Community Engagement Program.
Learn about Mass General's Center for Psychiatric Oncology and Behavioral Sciences.
Learn about Mass General's Department of Psychiatry.
Mass General's CORE program conducts innovative research and educational programs.
A vital state resource for individuals & families facing the challenges of mental illness.
Learn about cancer research, patient services, early detection, treatment and education.
Provides behavioral health solutions for regional and specialty health plans.
Provides access to services and supports to meet the mental health needs of individuals.
Contact us to make an appointment or to learn more about our programs.
