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Objective: Pain and depression are common in cancer patients. As these are both highly prevalent, the issue of a possible interdependent association has been raised. The aim of this systematic review was to examine the available literature and explore whether there is any evidence to support a causal relationship between cancer pain and depression.

Methods: An extensive literature search was undertaken. The following databases were searched electronically: Medline (1950–2007), Embase (1988–2007), CINAHL (1982–2007) and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (Issue 2 2007). The initial literature search revealed 892 articles. Following initial screening 41 articles were independently reviewed in detail. Fourteen articles were eligible for inclusion.

Results: The mean prevalence of both depression and pain was 36.5% (range 22.1–49.0). In 9 out of 14 studies a statistically significant …