Which symptom mentioned by a patient with cancer might indicate depression?

Insomnia is a key symptom that can indicate depression in patients with cancer. This is because depression often manifests through changes in sleep patterns, and individuals experiencing depressive episodes may find it difficult to either fall asleep or stay asleep, leading to insomnia. The presence of sleep disturbances can significantly impact a person's overall well-being and may exacerbate the emotional and physical challenges associated with cancer.

In the context of cancer, patients may face psychological stressors that contribute to feelings of hopelessness or anxiety, subsequently affecting their sleep quality. Addressing insomnia can be crucial in managing a patient's overall health and emotional state, as it may offer insights into their mental health.

The other symptoms—palpitations, nausea, and night sweats—can be associated with various medical issues or treatments related to cancer but are not as strongly linked to depression as insomnia is. While they can affect a patient’s quality of life, they do not specifically indicate the psychological condition of depression in the way that changes in sleep patterns do.