Distress is a multifactorial unpleasant emotional experience of a psychological (cognitive, behavioural,
emotional), social, and/or spiritual nature that may
interfere with the ability to cope effectively with cancer,
its physical symptoms and its treatment.
Distress extends along a continuum, ranging from
common normal feelings of vulnerability, sadness, and
fears to problems that can become disabling, such as
depression, anxiety, panic, social isolation, and existential
and spiritual crisis