Psycho-oncology: therapists & treatment information

Cancer is a life-changing disease that is often accompanied by great psychological stress. Patients often have to worry about their health and life. In addition, they have to come to terms with the fact that

• their everyday life will change temporarily or permanently
• they may have to leave their job or
• remain restricted in terms of health.

Social or spiritual problems can also arise.

As a result, cancer patients can develop a mental illness, for example

• depression,
• an addiction or
• an anxiety disorder.

The diagnosis alone can trigger trauma in those affected.

Psychological stress can also exacerbate physical problems, such as pain or nausea.

Psycho-oncology specializes in the care and counselling of cancer patients and their relatives in order to mitigate these effects.

Cancer patients benefit greatly from psycho-oncological care © sebra | AdobeStock

Goals of psycho-oncology

Psycho-oncology pursues various goals, for example

• Supporting cancer patients and their relatives in coming to terms with their illness.
• Improving quality of life and independence to better cope with everyday life.
• A healthier way of dealing with life changes.
• Recognition and treatment of serious psychological problems in cancer patients.
• Increasing the patient's active participation in cancer treatment.
• Training doctors and other medical staff in dealing with the psychological problems of cancer patients.

In addition, psycho-oncologists often also offer help and advice on socio-legal issues.

Psycho-oncological methods

The treatment methods for the psychological care of cancer patients are very diverse. The doctor always adapts them to the individual case. Some patients just want someone they can talk to openly about their problems. Others need more in-depth support.

In general, the following methods are used, among others:

• Relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation or autogenic training: these have been proven to alleviate anxiety and tension, for example.
• Imaginative methods that work with positive images, such as fantasy journeys: These also alleviate tension and anxiety and establish a more positive basic attitude.
• Artistic therapy, for example dance or painting therapy: The main aim here is to express and process feelings non-verbally.
• Body awareness exercises: With 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 ways of acting, patients' stress levels can be significantly reduced and their quality of life improved.
• Couples therapy: Psycho-oncological treatment often involves the partner in order to strengthen the relationship and help both partners to cope with the illness.
• Psychosocial counseling: This involves practical information, for example on the disease itself, social law issues, support options and contact points.
• Patient seminars: In individual or group sessions, patients learn how to better manage their illness, improve their health proactively and cope with stress and strain.
• Medication: Medication, known as psychotropic drugs, can also be used for anxiety disorders, depression or severe agitation.
• Occupational therapy: Here, patients regain lost skills through motor and everyday exercises.

Psycho-oncology is not always part of cancer therapy

In the USA and Canada, psycho-oncology is a natural part of cancer treatment. In Germany, however, this discipline is still in its infancy.

Although most patients benefit from psychosocial support, not everyone has access to such services. However, this situation is increasingly improving.

There are more and more specially trained staff in tumor centers and clinics. They can recognize and deal with problems and stress at an early stage.

Ideally, cancer patients should have the opportunity to take advantage of psycho-oncological services at all stages of the disease . This includes

• the initial period after diagnosis,
• the acute treatment
• the long-term consequences of the disease or
• support during the dying process

process.

Where can those affected find psycho-oncological services?

There are various options for psycho-oncological counseling and support. Cancer patients should already receive initial psycho-oncological services during acute cancer treatment in hospital. If the medical staff do not mention it themselves, it is worth asking. You can also contact the social services of the clinics.

Oncological rehabilitation facilities almost always offer psycho-oncological care and counseling.

Some hospitals or oncology specialist practices have psycho-oncology outpatient clinics for patients who are not currently hospitalized.

Many specialists and psychotherapists in private practice also offer psycho-oncological care in the form of outpatient services after the actual cancer treatment.

In addition, there are cancer counseling centers run by private and non-profit organizations in many cities. Counseling in these centers is usually free of charge and the services offered are varied.

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
• outpatient care at home

care and support.