The latest version of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network’s “Distress Thermometer” and “Problem List” is now available for free in over 70 languages.
Plymouth Meeting, PennsylvaniaMay 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®), a coalition of leading U.S. cancer centers, today announced that the latest NCCN Distress Thermometer and Problem List is now available in over 70 languages. This clinically validated rapid screening tool (using a 0-10 scale) is designed to identify and address patient distress. Cancer care providers can use this one-page screening tool to quickly and effectively identify potential psychological, physical, social, or spiritual issues that may make it harder for patients to cope with cancer itself, its symptoms, or treatment.
Access the free NCCN Distress Thermometer screening tool in over 70 languages at NCCN.org/distress-thermometer.
Users worldwide can access the free NCCN Distress Thermometer screening tool in their language at NCCN.org/distress-thermometer.NCCN also offers free resources guiding providers on managing patient distress, as well as a patient and caregiver version (using plain language, images, and a glossary), funded by the NCCN Foundation®.
Crystal S. Denlinger, MD, CEO, NCCN, said: “Each May, Mental Health Awareness Month reminds us of the significant impact of social-emotional well-being on people with cancer. High-quality cancer care means treating the whole person—identifying and addressing any practical or emotional issues that arise. We continuously update the NCCN Distress Thermometer and Problem List and offer it in dozens of languages to help ensure every patient gets the support they need.”
In 2025, the Distress Thermometer was downloaded nearly 7,000 times worldwide, with top countries including Germany, Brazil, India, China, and Switzerland.
A research abstract (by Babayan et al., now available at JNCCN.org) presented at the NCCN 2026 Annual Conference confirmed that the translated NCCN Distress Thermometer effectively identifies distress in Armenian-speaking patients, proving both practical and culturally appropriate. The findings support integrating this tool into clinical practice to enhance cancer care quality. A previous peer-reviewed independent study covering 25 countries/regions (published in Psycho-Oncology in 2022) had already validated the NCCN Distress Thermometer as an effective measure of distress.
In addition to English, the tool is available in the following languages:
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*Indicates multiple versions available in that language.
The NCCN Distress Thermometer is a key component of the “Distress Management” section in the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®). These guidelines are part of a comprehensive library of evidence-based, expert consensus-driven recommendations, maintained by over 2,000 interdisciplinary experts, covering various cancers and topics such as pain, fatigue, smoking cessation, and survivorship care. There are currently 91 NCCN Guidelines®, compiling best practices for supportive care, as well as screening, prevention, and treatment for nearly all cancer types.
Currently, NCCN Guidelines have over 90 global adaptations and more than 180 translations, with nearly half of NCCN.org’s registered users located outside the United States. For more information on NCCN’s resources to improve international cancer care, visit NCCN.org/global.
About the National Comprehensive Cancer Network
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) is a nonprofit alliance of leading cancer centers dedicated to patient care, research, and education. NCCN is committed to defining and advancing high-quality, effective, equitable, and accessible cancer care and prevention so all people can live better lives. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) provide transparent, evidence-based, expert consensus recommendations for cancer treatment, prevention, and supportive services—the recognized standard for clinical guidance and policy in cancer management and the most comprehensive and frequently updated clinical practice guidelines in medicine. NCCN Guidelines for Patients®, supported by the NCCN Foundation®, provide expert cancer treatment information to inform and empower patients and caregivers. NCCN also advances continuing education, global initiatives, policy development, and research collaboration and publication in oncology. For more information, visit NCCN.org.
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