Glossary / Lexicon

Oncology

Deutsch: Onkologie / Español: Oncología / Português: Oncologia / Français: Oncologie / Italian: Oncologia

Oncology in the context of psychology refers to the psychological and emotional aspects of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. This field, often termed psycho-oncology, involves the study and practice of psychological responses to cancer at all stages of the disease, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and end-of-life care.

Description

Oncology within the psychology context addresses the emotional, psychological, and social impacts of cancer on patients, their families, and caregivers. It is a multidisciplinary field combining oncology and psychology to help patients cope with the stress, anxiety, and depression often associated with cancer. This includes interventions designed to improve patients' quality of life, enhance their coping mechanisms, and support mental health throughout the cancer journey.

The importance of psycho-oncology has grown as studies have shown that psychological well-being significantly affects physical health outcomes. Patients who receive psychological support often have better adherence to treatment, improved symptom management, and a more positive outlook, which can contribute to better overall survival rates.

The field also encompasses the psychological effects of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, which can lead to cognitive changes and emotional distress. Psycho-oncologists work with patients to manage these side effects, offering therapies such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and stress management techniques.

Application Areas

Oncology in the context of psychology is applied in various areas:

  1. Clinical Settings: Providing psychological support to patients in hospitals, cancer treatment centers, and outpatient clinics.
  2. Research: Conducting studies on the psychological impacts of cancer and developing interventions to improve mental health outcomes.
  3. Counseling and Therapy: Offering individual and group therapy sessions to help patients and their families cope with the emotional burden of cancer.
  4. Survivorship Programs: Supporting long-term cancer survivors in dealing with the lasting psychological effects of cancer and its treatment.
  5. Palliative Care: Assisting patients in managing end-of-life issues, including emotional support and coping strategies for terminal illness.

Well-Known Examples

Several well-known examples highlight the role of psycho-oncology:

  1. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (USA): This center has a dedicated psycho-oncology department offering comprehensive mental health services to cancer patients and their families.
  2. Psycho-Oncology Research Group at King's College London (UK): This group focuses on research into the psychological and social aspects of cancer care.
  3. Cancer Council Australia: Provides support services, including counseling and psycho-social support, for cancer patients and their families.
  4. The European Society of Psycho-Oncology (ESPO): An organization dedicated to the promotion and development of psycho-oncology in Europe.

Treatment and Risks

Oncology within psychology entails addressing several risks and challenges:

  1. Emotional Distress: Patients often experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, which can interfere with their treatment and recovery.
  2. Cognitive Impairments: Treatments like chemotherapy can cause "chemo brain," affecting memory and cognitive functions.
  3. Social Isolation: Cancer patients may feel isolated due to their illness and treatment regimen, impacting their mental health.
  4. Stigma and Fear: The fear of cancer and its stigma can lead to psychological distress and a reluctance to seek help.

Psycho-oncology treatments include:

  • Therapy: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and other therapeutic approaches to help patients manage their emotions and thoughts.
  • Support Groups: Providing a platform for patients to share experiences and gain support from others facing similar challenges.
  • Psycho-educational Interventions: Educating patients and families about cancer and its psychological impacts to better manage their expectations and experiences.

Similar Terms

  • Psycho-oncology: The field specifically dedicated to the psychological aspects of cancer care.
  • Health Psychology: A broader field that deals with psychological factors in health and illness, including cancer.
  • Behavioral Medicine: An interdisciplinary field combining medicine and psychology to address the psychological aspects of physical health.

Weblinks

Summary

Oncology in the psychology context, also known as psycho-oncology, plays a crucial role in supporting cancer patients and their families through the psychological challenges of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. By addressing the emotional and mental health aspects of cancer, psycho-oncologists help improve patients' quality of life and overall treatment outcomes.

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