Hamadan University of Medical Sciences Journal of Research in Health Sciences 2228-7795 26 3 2026 08 15 The Association Between Psychological Distress and Cancer in Adults: A Community-Based Study in Bogor, Indonesia e00690 e00690 10.34172/jrhs.12763 EN Sulistyowati Tuminah https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2839-3865 Lely Indrawati https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6113-1889 Siti Isfandari https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1937-9546 Irmansyah Irmansyah https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6734-1940 Dwi Hapsari https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8313-4722 Delima Delima https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3815-5705 Novia Susianti https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8311-1635 Siswanto Siswanto https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8427-994X Laurentia Konadi Mihardja Journal Article 10.34172/jrhs.12763 2025 11 24 2026 02 24 Introduction: Cancer is a leading cause of death, and psychological distress (PD) is one of its potential risk factors. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the association between PD and cancer in adults. Study Design: A repeated cross-sectional study. Methods: This study used retrospective data from the non-communicable disease risk factor (NCDRF) community-based study performed in Bogor, Indonesia. All NCDRF and Cohort Study participants meeting the inclusion criteria were included in this study. PD was measured using the Self-Reporting Questionnaire from the World Health Organization, with at least 6 of 20 answered "yes". The study focused on PD in the last 2 years before the first self-reporting cancer diagnosis, and the data sample was analyzed using logistic regression. Results: Of 2,133 participants, 86 reported a cancer diagnosis, and 278 experienced PD at least once in the last 2 years preceding cancer diagnosis. Compared to those without PD, the risk of cancer diagnosis was significantly higher among individuals who experienced PD, with an odds ratio of 3.67 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.143–6.283; P<0.001) for once, and 16.35 (95% CI: 7.663–34.876; P<0.001) for twice, adjusted for age, total cholesterol level, weight loss, and physical activity. Conclusion: PD was associated with cancer diagnosis. Accordingly, it is important to integrate professional medical advice, psychological motivation, spiritual guidance, and consistent emotional and tangible support from the family to prevent and control PD.