Depressive psychopathology was measured in a prospective follow-up study of 36 cancer patients. The psychometric properties of the Hamilton rating scales for depression and anxiety and the Melancholia Scale were examined. The scales proved useful, indicating that the symptomatic structure of depression in cancer patients is rather identical to that seen in primary depression. Depressive states were found in about 40% of patients before the start of chemotherapy. The frequency of intermediate and high scores on the depression scales showed a low to moderate decrease after 6 months. Aspects of depression in the medically ill are discussed, and screening routines suggested.