Psycho-oncology is the field that examines the psychological, behavioral, and psychosocial factors involved in the risk, detection, course, treatment, and outcomes of cancer. It also addresses the reactions of patients, families, and caregivers to cancer at every stage of the disease (American Psychological Association, 2018).
Cancer and its medical treatments have been consistently associated with a range of physical and psychosocial challenges. These extend from pain, fatigue, and loss of autonomy to anxiety, depression, and strain on personal relationships, all of which significantly affect quality of life. Consequently, the demand for psychosocial interventions to support patients with cancer has risen dramatically over the past decades (Lang-Rollin & Berberich, 2018).
The emergence of psycho-oncology as an interdisciplinary field was facilitated by several historical developments: the reduction of stigma surrounding both cancer and mental illness, changes in the relationship between healthcare providers and patients, a shift in focus from survival rates toward quality of life, and the advancement of palliative care (Lang-Rollin & Berberich, 2018).
Since the 1970s, psycho-oncology has evolved into an established part of oncological care. Research activity has grown exponentially, national societies have been created, and the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) was founded in 1984. Guidelines have been developed, and extensive efforts have been made to implement and coordinate supportive care networks worldwide (Lang-Rollin & Berberich, 2018).
Core Goals of Psycho-Oncology
- Training and education of professionals.
- Integration of psychological care into the overall treatment of all cancer patients and their families, across all stages of illness, by all oncology health professionals.
- Development of educational programs.
- Study of psychological, social, and behavioral factors in cancer prevention and detection.
- Investigation of the impact of psychological, social, and behavioral factors on survival.
- Promotion of cross-cultural research.
- Raising awareness of the psychological and social challenges of cancer and their management.
- Examination of the psychological burden experienced by healthcare professionals providing oncology care.
- Enhancement of patients’ quality of life throughout the disease trajectory (Holland, 1992).
Intervention Objectives in Psycho-Oncology
Psycho-oncological interventions target a wide spectrum of issues, including:
- Physical symptoms: pain, fatigue, sexual/reproductive concerns, insomnia, cognitive disturbances, and side effects related to cancer or treatment.
- Treatment optimization: adherence to treatment, informed decision-making, appropriate use of pain medication.
- General health improvement: lifestyle modification, nutrition, physical activity, stress management.
- Existential concerns: spirituality, meaning-making, personal growth, death, and bereavement.
- Family and caregiver support.
- Practical and social challenges: return to work, financial concerns, childcare, housing, etc.
- Emotional difficulties and psychiatric comorbidities (Lang-Rollin & Berberich, 2018).
Barriers to Utilization of Support
Despite the clear benefits of psychological support, a substantial proportion of patients decline psychosocial interventions when offered. This reluctance is linked to several factors:
- Association of psycho-oncology or psychological support with mental illness.
- Perception that seeking help is a sign of personal weakness.
- Feelings of guilt related to the illness.
- Limited familiarity with mental health services (Kreitler, 2019).
Conclusion
Given the profound physical, psychological, and social challenges associated with cancer, recommending psychological support for patients is both logical and essential. Such interventions can alleviate distress, anxiety, and suffering during the difficult period of diagnosis and treatment. However, stigma, misconceptions, and limited awareness often prevent patients from accessing these services. For psycho-oncology to fully realize its mission, ongoing efforts are required to normalize psychological care as an integral and necessary component of comprehensive cancer treatment—one that enhances not only survival but also dignity and quality of life.
Author: Evangelia Markopoulou
References
American Psychological Association. (2018). APA Dictionary of Psychology – psychooncology. Retrieved from: https://dictionary.apa.org/psychooncology Accessed at 20/03/2024.
Holland, J. C. (1992). Psycho‐oncology: Overview, obstacles and opportunities. Psycho‐oncology, 1(1), 1-13.
Kreitler, S. (2019). Psycho-oncology for the clinician: The patient behind the disease. Springer.
Lang-Rollin, I., & Berberich, G. (2018). Psycho-oncology. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 20(1), 13–22
