India, Feb. 4 -- Living with cancer is not just physically demanding - it is emotionally overwhelming. From the moment of diagnosis, patients often live with persistent fear, uncertainty, and psychological stress, all of which can intensify during the long and exhausting course of treatment. This unaddressed emotional burden can directly affect treatment tolerance, recovery, and outcomes.

Yet, despite its profound impact, psychological support remains largely informal and reactive within cancer care in India. Experts argue that for outcomes to truly improve, this gap must be addressed - and mental health support needs to become a structured, integral part of cancer treatment rather than an afterthought.

HT Lifestyle spoke to Dr Mehezabi...