Psychometric validation of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale in Head and Neck Cancer patients

Depression is a common complication in patients with cancer [1]. Studies have shown that patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) experience higher rates of depression than other groups with an incidence of 15–50% as compared to 15–25% in other cancers [2]. Depression associated with cancer treatment in HNC patients has also been shown to contribute to lower quality of life, high levels of fatigue, low motivation, and higher suicide rates [2]. Early detection of depression and treatment would facilitate better treatment outcomes and quality of life [3].

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