Psycho-oncology is a branch of psychotherapy and psychology that focuses on the care of cancer patients. Psycho-oncological care can significantly improve patients’ quality of life. It helps them cope better with their illness and navigate the changes in their daily lives more easily.
Here you will find further information as well as a selection of psycho-oncology therapists.
Cancer is a life-altering disease that is often accompanied by significant psychological stress. Patients frequently worry about their health and their lives. In addition, they must come to terms with the fact that
- their daily lives have changed, either temporarily or permanently,
- they may have to leave their jobs, or
- may continue to face health-related limitations.
Social or spiritual problems may also arise.
As a result, cancer patients may develop a mental health condition, such as
- depression,
- an addiction, or
- an anxiety disorder.
The diagnosis itself can be traumatic for those affected.
In addition, psychological stress can also exacerbate physical symptoms, such as pain or nausea.
Psycho-oncology specializes in providing care and counseling to cancer patients and their families to help mitigate these effects.
Goals of Psycho-Oncology
Psycho-oncology pursues various goals, such as:
- Supporting cancer patients and their loved ones in coming to terms with the disease.
- Improving quality of life and independence to better cope with daily life.
- Helping patients cope more healthily with life changes.
- Identifying and treating serious mental health issues in cancer patients.
- Encouraging patients to take an active role in their cancer treatment.
- Training doctors and other medical staff in addressing the psychological issues of cancer patients.
In addition, psycho-oncologists often offer help and counseling on social and legal issues.
Psycho-oncological Methods
The treatment methods used in the psychological care of cancer patients are very diverse. The doctor always tailors them to the individual case. Some patients simply want someone to talk to, with whom they can speak openly about their problems. Others need more in-depth support.
In general, the following methods, among others, are used:
- Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or autogenic training: These have been shown to alleviate anxiety and tension, for example.
- Imagery techniques that involve working with positive images, such as guided imagery: These also help relieve tension and anxiety and foster a more positive outlook.
- Art therapy, such as dance or art therapy: The primary focus here is on expressing and processing emotions through nonverbal means.
- Body awareness exercises: Through these techniques, patients learn to better perceive and accept their bodies, which have been altered by illness and treatment.
- Behavioral therapy: By changing thought patterns and behaviors, patients’ stress can be significantly reduced and their quality of life improved.
- Couples therapy: In psycho-oncological treatment, the partner is often involved to strengthen the relationship and help both individuals cope with the illness.
- Psychosocial counseling: This involves providing practical information, for example, about the illness itself, social and legal issues, available support options, and resources.
- Patient seminars: In individual or group sessions, patients learn to better manage their illness, take an active role in improving their health, and cope with stress and emotional strain.
- Medications: In cases of anxiety disorders, depression, or severe restlessness, medications—known as psychotropic drugs—may also be prescribed.
- Occupational therapy: Through motor and daily-life exercises, patients regain lost abilities.
Psychooncology is not always part of cancer treatment
In the U.S. and Canada, psycho-oncology is a natural part of cancer treatment. In Germany, however, this discipline is still in its early stages.
Although psychosocial support benefits most patients, not everyone has access to such services yet. However, this situation is gradually improving.
Cancer centers and clinics are employing more and more specially trained staff who can identify and address problems and stress early on.
Ideally, cancer patients at all stages of the disease should have the opportunity to access psycho-oncological services. This includes
- the initial period after diagnosis,
- acute treatment,
- the long-term effects of the disease, or
- end-of-life care
.
Where can those affected find psycho-oncological services?
There are various options for psycho-oncological counseling and support. Cancer patients should receive initial psycho-oncological services as early as during acute cancer treatment in the hospital. If the medical staff does not bring this up on their own, it is worth asking about it. You can also contact the hospitals’ social services.
Oncological rehabilitation centers almost always offer psycho-oncological care and counseling as well.
Some hospitals or oncology-focused practices have psycho-oncology outpatient clinics for patients who are not currently hospitalized.
Many private practice specialists and psychotherapists also offer psycho-oncological care in the form of outpatient services even after the actual cancer treatment has ended.
In addition, many cities have cancer counseling centers run by private and nonprofit organizations. Counseling at these centers is usually free of charge, and the services offered are diverse.
Self-help groups can also be a great help in coping with the disease.
If the disease is no longer curable, patients can be admitted to
- palliative care units,
- hospices, or
- receive outpatient care at home
.
