  Distress is a complex condition which affects a significant percentage of
cancer patients and may lead to depression, anxiety, sadness, suicide and other
forms of psychological morbidity. Compelling evidence supports screening for
distress as a means of facilitating early intervention and subsequent
improvements in psychological well-being and overall quality of life.
Nevertheless, despite the existence of evidence based and easily administered
screening tools, for example, the Distress Thermometer, routine screening for
distress is yet to achieve widespread implementation. Efforts are intensifying
to utilise innovative, cost effective methods now available through emerging
technologies in the informatics and computational arenas.
