Glossary / Lexicon

Deutsch: Psychoonkologie / Español: Psicooncología / Português: Psico-oncologia / Français: Psycho-oncologie / Italiano: Psico-oncologia

Psycho-oncology is a specialised field within psychology and oncology that addresses the psychological, emotional, and social aspects of cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. It focuses on the mental health of patients and their families, as well as on the psychological aspects of cancer care for healthcare professionals.

Description

Psycho-oncology bridges the gap between mental health and cancer care, recognising that a cancer diagnosis impacts not only the body but also the mind and emotions. The field explores how psychological factors such as stress, coping mechanisms, and resilience affect the course of the disease and how cancer treatments influence mental health. It also considers the social and cultural dimensions of living with cancer, including stigma, family dynamics, and access to support systems.

Key aspects of psycho-oncology include:

1. Emotional Support: Helping patients cope with fear, anxiety, depression, or grief associated with their illness.
2. Quality of Life: Addressing issues like pain management, fatigue, and the psychological impact of physical changes caused by treatment.
3. Behavioural Interventions: Encouraging adherence to treatment regimens and promoting healthy lifestyle changes to support recovery.
4. Family Support: Assisting families in managing the emotional and practical challenges of caregiving.
5. End-of-Life Care: Providing psychological support to terminally ill patients and their families, focusing on dignity and comfort.

The field emerged in response to the recognition that cancer care must be holistic, encompassing both physical and psychological well-being. Psycho-oncology also focuses on the healthcare providers who treat cancer patients, offering strategies to reduce burnout and compassion fatigue.

Symptoms, Therapy, and Healing

Common Symptoms

Cancer patients often experience psychological symptoms such as:

• Anxiety and Fear: Related to the uncertainty of the prognosis or treatment.
• Depression: Resulting from physical pain, loss of autonomy, or changes in self-image.
• Post-Traumatic Stress: Especially for those who undergo intense treatment regimens or receive late-stage diagnoses.

Therapy Approaches

1. Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps patients manage anxiety and negative thought patterns.
2. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR): Focuses on reducing stress and promoting emotional resilience.
3. Family Therapy: Addresses relational conflicts and caregiving challenges.
4. Psychoeducation: Empowers patients with knowledge about their condition to reduce fear and uncertainty.

Healing and Prognosis

Psycho-oncology aims to enhance coping skills, improve quality of life, and support emotional recovery. While psychological interventions do not directly influence cancer progression, they can significantly enhance well-being and promote a sense of control and hope.

Application Areas

1. Cancer Centres: Providing mental health services integrated into oncology care.
2. Hospitals: Supporting patients in inpatient and outpatient settings.
3. Palliative Care: Offering psychological comfort in end-of-life scenarios.
4. Research: Exploring the links between psychological factors and cancer outcomes.
5. Training Programmes: Educating healthcare providers in communication skills and empathy.

Well-Known Examples

• Integrated Cancer Care: Institutions like MD Anderson Cancer Center or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center include psycho-oncology departments to provide holistic patient care.
• Mindfulness Programmes: Mindfulness and relaxation therapies are often employed in cancer support groups to reduce stress and promote well-being.
• Support Communities: Organisations such as CancerCare or Macmillan Cancer Support offer psycho-oncological resources for patients and families.

Risks and Challenges

1. Stigma: Many patients may hesitate to seek psychological help due to the stigma around mental health.
2. Underfunding: Psycho-oncology services are often under-resourced compared to other aspects of cancer care.
3. Burnout: Healthcare providers in oncology may experience emotional exhaustion due to the demands of their work.
4. Inequality in Access: Not all patients have access to psycho-oncological care, particularly in low-income or rural areas.

Similar Terms

• Health Psychology: Focuses on the interplay between physical health and psychological well-being.
• Behavioural Medicine: Explores the role of behaviour in physical health and illness.
• Palliative Psychology: Specialises in psychological support for terminally ill patients.

Summary

Psycho-oncology is a critical field that addresses the psychological and emotional challenges of living with cancer. By focusing on patients, families, and healthcare providers, it fosters a holistic approach to cancer care that prioritises mental health, quality of life, and resilience throughout the cancer journey.

--