What is "psycho-oncology"?
It is concerned with Cancer's psychological, social, behavioral, and moral dimensions. Two important psychological aspects of cancer are addressed by psycho-oncology:
(1) the psychological reactions of cancer patients and their families and caregivers at all stages of the disease; and
(2) the psychological, behavioral, and social elements that may affect the course of the disease.
Types of psycho-oncology
1. Bladder Cancer
2. Breast Cancer
3. Blood Cancer
4. Cervical Cancer
5. Kidney Cancer
6. Liver Cancer
7. Lung Cancer
8. Skin Cancer
Signs & Symptoms of psycho-oncology
Fatigue
Hair loss
Poor Appetite
Poor Sleep
Unexplained Pain
Weight Loss
The signs and symptoms of psycho-oncology issues may include:
a. Depression: Psycho-oncology can contribute to symptoms of depression, such as feelings of hopelessness, sadness, or worthlessness.
b. Anxiety: Psycho-oncology can contribute to symptoms of anxiety, such as excessive worry, fear, or panic.
c. Emotional distress: Psycho-oncology can contribute to emotional distress, such as feelings of grief, anger, or guilt.
d. Adjustment difficulties: Psycho-oncology can contribute to difficulties adjusting to the diagnosis, treatment, or side effects of cancer.
e. Changes in self-esteem: Psycho-oncology can contribute to changes in self-esteem or self-worth, as individuals may struggle with changes in their physical appearance or abilities.
f. Relationship difficulties: Psycho-oncology can put a strain on relationships with partners, family, or friends, as individuals may struggle to balance their caregiving responsibilities with other obligations.
g. Coping difficulties: Psycho-oncology can contribute to difficulties in coping with the stress of cancer and its treatment, leading to decreased quality of life.
It is important to note that experiencing some or all of these signs and symptoms does not necessarily mean an individual has psycho-oncology issues. However, if these symptoms persist or interfere with daily functioning, it may be helpful to seek support from a mental health professional or an online counsellor who can provide guidance and support in managing psycho-oncology symptoms.
Myths & Facts about psycho-oncology
Fact :
Since the 1970s, the majority of the carcinogenic compounds have been eliminated from hair dyes, and current research has not revealed a higher cancer risk among those who color their hair.
Fact :
No, generally. Cancer is not an infectious illness that spreads quickly from one person to another. Cancer cannot transmit from one person to another unless an organ or piece of tissue is transplanted.
Fact :
Numerous studies have found that phones emit low-energy radiation and do not cause cancer.
Fact :
Having a family history of cancer can increase your risk of getting some types of cancer, but it does not make you more likely to have cancer.
Fact :
I don't need to see a psycho-oncologist or psychologist because I don't have any serious concerns.
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Online Counselling
Causes, Issues and challenges of psycho-oncology
Causes of Cancer
Cancer can have a range of causes, including:
- Genetic mutations: Changes, or mutations, in certain genes, can lead to abnormal growth and division of cells, which can cause cancer.
- Environmental and lifestyle factors: Exposure to certain chemicals, radiation, tobacco smoke, UV rays, and unhealthy dietary and lifestyle choices can increase the risk of cancer.
- Viral infections: Certain viral infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B and C, can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
- Family history: Certain types of cancer can run in families, indicating an inherited gene mutation that increases the risk of developing cancer.
- Aging: As a person ages, their cells accumulate DNA damage over time, which can eventually lead to the development of cancer.
Need for Psychoncology
In terms of the need for psychoncology, cancer can have a significant impact on an individual's mental health, including anxiety and depression. Additionally, the diagnosis and treatment of cancer can be stressful and overwhelming and may require significant adjustments to one's daily life. Psychoncologists are trained to help individuals with cancer manage these emotional and psychological challenges, as well as provide support to their loved ones. They can assist patients in coping with the stress associated with cancer and treatment, provide online counselling, and help address concerns about the quality of life, including end-of-life care. The goal of psychoncology is to improve the overall well-being and quality of life of individuals with cancer.
Individuals with cancer can face a range of challenges and issues:
- Physical symptoms: Cancer and its treatment can cause a range of physical symptoms, including pain, fatigue, nausea, and weakness.
- Emotional distress: A cancer diagnosis can be emotionally overwhelming, and individuals with cancer may experience anxiety, depression, fear, and uncertainty about the future.
-Financial burden: The cost of cancer treatment can be very high, leading to significant financial strain for individuals and their families.
- Disruption to daily life: Cancer treatment may require significant lifestyle changes, including time off work, changes to diet and exercise routines, and other disruptions to daily life.
- Relationship conflicts: The emotional toll of cancer can strain relationships with loved ones, friends, and colleagues.
- Social isolation: As a result of physical symptoms and treatment-related fatigue, individuals with cancer may face social isolation and disconnection from their communities.
Individuals with cancer seek medical care and emotional support to help them navigate these challenges. Support may include psychoncology, online counselling, peer support groups, and other resources aimed at improving quality of life and overall well-being.
Loved ones of individuals with cancer may also face a range of issues and challenges:
- Emotional distress: Seeing a loved one go through cancer treatment can be emotionally overwhelming and result in feelings of fear, sadness, and grief.
- Caregiving responsibilities: Loved ones may be called upon to provide physical and emotional support, which may require significant time and effort.
- Financial burden: The financial cost of cancer treatment may also impact loved ones, particularly if they are responsible for providing financial assistance or helping to cover costs.
- Relationship strains: The stress of cancer and caregiving responsibilities can cause strain in relationships, both with the person with cancer and with other family members or friends.
- Health impacts: The stress of caregiving and emotional distress can also impact the health and well-being of loved ones, including increasing the risk of depression and other health issues.
The loved ones seek online support and care for themselves, including online counselling, online psychotherapy, and support groups aimed at helping them cope with the emotional and practical challenges associated with cancer caregiving. Seeking support can help alleviate the stresses of caregiving and support the overall well-being of both the loved one with cancer and their caregiver.
FACED BY- THE PERSON-
Social Withdrawal
Financial Issues
Suicidal Ideation
Treatment of psycho-oncology
The goal of psycho-oncology is to improve the quality of life of cancer patients and their families. The following are some treatment and management strategies for psycho-oncology:
Psychotherapy: Psychotherapy can help cancer patients and their families cope with the psychological and emotional challenges of cancer. It can be in the form of individual, group, or family therapy.
Medication: Anti-anxiety and antidepressant medications can be prescribed by a psychiatrist or primary care physician to help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues related to cancer.
Mind-body techniques: Mind-body techniques, such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness, can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression and improve quality of life.
Support groups: Joining a cancer support group can provide emotional support, practical advice, and a sense of community to cancer patients and their families.
Palliative care: Palliative care is specialized medical care that focuses on relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life of people with serious illnesses, including cancer.
Spiritual care: Spiritual care can help cancer patients and their families find meaning and purpose in their cancer journey and provide comfort during difficult times.
Education and information: Providing education and information about cancer and its treatment can help cancer patients and their families feel more empowered and better able to cope with the challenges of cancer.
Family interventions: Family interventions can help improve family communication and support, which can help reduce distress and improve the quality of life for both the patient and the family members.
Therapies for psycho-oncology
Benefits of Online Counselling for psycho-oncology
Here are some of the potential benefits:
1. Helps cancer patients and their families cope with the psychological and emotional impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
2. Provides a safe space to express feelings, concerns, and fears related to cancer and its impact on their lives.
3. Reduces anxiety and depression symptoms and improves overall mental health.
4. Promotes better communication between patients and healthcare providers, leading to more effective cancer management and treatment.
5. Enhances quality of life by improving coping skills, resilience, and self-esteem.
6. Offers support for making difficult decisions related to cancer treatment and end-of-life care.
7. Helps patients and families navigate the complex healthcare system and access resources and support services.
8. Provides education on cancer-related topics, such as symptom management, treatment options, and survivorship.
9. Helps patients and families adjust to the changes and challenges that cancer brings to their relationships, work, and daily life.
10. Can improve physical health outcomes by reducing stress and promoting healthy behaviors.
Best Therapists in India for psycho-oncology
You are not alone in your fight against Cancer. Reach out to the best psycho-oncologist today!
psycho-oncology Related Blogs
Frequently Asked Questions on psycho-oncology
"When you have cancer or someone close to you has cancer, it is common to experience a wide range of emotions. You might experience stress, rage, or sadness. Finding a counsellor to talk to can be helpful if these sentiments interfere with your everyday life or linger for a long period. When facing uncertainty or going through a transitional period, such as when starting or finishing cancer treatment, counselling can be helpful.
Counseling can be beneficial even if you wouldn't categorize your feelings as serious. Everyone faces difficulties while dealing with a cancer diagnosis or providing care for a cancer patient. You can feel better even after just a few counselling sessions.
TalktoAngel is an online platform that provides quality therapy and other mental health services online. We have qualified and experienced professionals working with us. Psycho-oncology is one of our areas of expertise. We have experts and specialists who have successfully worked previously on cases of cancer counseling. Studies have proven that online mental health services are as effective as the conventional mode. Furthermore, at TalktoAngel, we put your needs first. We can help you with flexible appointments, and personalized and customized intervention plans all at the tip of your fingers.
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According to studies, 45% to 60% of cancer patients experience considerable psychological distress after receiving their diagnosis. Neglecting these problems can have a negative impact on treatment outcomes because it can develop into anxiety or even depression if not given prompt assistance and care. Here, psycho-oncology enters the picture.
A specialist with the training to offer specific interventions from the point of diagnosis through treatment and beyond is known as a psycho-oncologist.
Not that researchers are aware of. In truth, the notion that a bad attitude or the "personality" of cancer contributes to its development may be a remnant of an old human practice of blaming the ill person for their illness.
Patients, relatives, and carers may have emotional health issues as a result of a cancer diagnosis. Following this life-changing event, anxiety, frustration, sadness, and depression are commonly found to be strongly associated with the emotional effects of cancer. Roles can vary at home, work, and school. But it's crucial to recognize these adjustments and seek help from the best psychologist in India when needed.
Top Online Psychologists can help motivate cancer patients in several ways:
Providing emotional support: Online psychologists can offer empathetic listening, validation, and support to help cancer patients cope with the emotional distress associated with a cancer diagnosis and treatment and help them manage anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges that may impact motivation.
Goal-setting and planning: Best Psychologists can work with cancer patients to set realistic and achievable goals related to their treatment, recovery, and overall well-being, and help them develop a plan to work towards those goals.
Cognitive-behavioral strategies: Top online therapist can use cognitive-behavioral techniques to help cancer patients identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs that may be hindering their motivation, and develop more adaptive thought patterns and behaviors to enhance motivation.
Education and information: Best online counsellors and therapist can provide education and information about cancer, treatment options, and self-care strategies, which can empower patients with knowledge and resources to make informed decisions and take control of their health.
Coping skills training: Top Psychologists can teach coping skills, such as relaxation techniques, stress management strategies, and problem-solving skills, to help cancer patients manage the physical and emotional challenges associated with cancer and its treatment, and maintain motivation despite difficulties.
Supportive counseling: Online Counsellors can provide supportive online counseling to address the emotional and psychological impact of cancer, including grief and loss, body image issues, and changes in roles and relationships, which can help cancer patients process their emotions and maintain motivation in their cancer journey.
Clinical and counselling psychologists can play a vital role in helping cancer patients maintain motivation, cope with emotional challenges, and enhance their overall well-being during the cancer treatment and recovery process.
Online counselling provides a convenient and accessible option for cancer patients who may have limited mobility or transportation options due to treatment. It can be done from anywhere on a patient's own schedule. This can help overcome barriers like fatigue, nausea, or pain that may make in-person counselling difficult. The anonymity of online counselling can help some cancer patients feel more at ease opening up about their emotions, anxieties, and health concerns. This can be especially helpful for those who feel stigmatized by their diagnosis or treatment. Anonymity provides privacy and confidentiality.
Online counselling and therapy resources allow patients to work through materials at their own pace. This can be less overwhelming and more empowering for those dealing with a serious health issue. Patients can review materials multiple times and take breaks when needed. Online counsellors and resources provide evidence-based coping strategies tailored to the challenges of living with cancer. Things like stress/anxiety management, improving relationships, managing side effects, healthy eating on a budget, and spiritual/emotional well-being. Online Therapy can help cancer patients make sense of their diagnosis and experience. Questions like "Why did this happen to me?" and "How can I find meaning even in suffering?" can be explored. Finding meaning and purpose helps in balancing life and maintaining happiness despite cancer.
Online therapy offers cancer patients a helpful and accessible source of support and provides coping strategies and practical advice. When used alongside medical treatment, online therapy, and counselling can help patients gain emotional strength, make challenging experiences more meaningful and learn to better balance life with the responsibilities of managing cancer. Counselling promotes happiness, hope, and well-being in the face of adversity.
Cancer patients often experience high levels of anxiety about health, treatment, recurrence, and mortality. They may also be at risk of depression, especially if treatment is prolonged or the prognosis is poor. Anxiety and depression can negatively impact the quality of life, health outcomes, and coping abilities. For some cancer patients, the trauma of diagnosis, intensive treatment, or treatment complications can trigger PTSD symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, uncontrollable thoughts about cancer, and avoidance of medical care.
Psychological issues have a significant impact on the cancer experience and quality of life. By identifying issues early and providing proper treatment like counselling, and online therapy, these issues can be prevented or managed in a way that enables balancing life's challenges with happiness and well-being. Psychological support is integral to the cancer journey.
Breast cancer patients may experience various psychological challenges, including:
Anxiety and fear: The diagnosis of breast cancer can trigger feelings of anxiety, fear, and uncertainty about the future, including concerns about treatment, prognosis, and the impact on daily life.
Depression and mood changes: Breast cancer patients may experience symptoms of depression, such as persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, changes in sleep or appetite, and low energy levels.
Body image issues: Breast cancer treatment can lead to physical changes, such as scarring, hair loss, and breast reconstruction or removal, which may affect body image and self-esteem, leading to feelings of self-consciousness and distress.
Emotional distress: Breast cancer patients may undergo emotional distress related to the emotional toll of the illness, including grief, anger, frustration, and emotional ups and downs throughout the treatment journey.
It's important for breast cancer patients to seek support from healthcare providers, loved ones, and mental health professionals to address these psychological challenges and receive appropriate care and support. A breast cancer diagnosis can increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Counselling provides therapy specifically targeted at managing distressing emotions, improving mood, and restoring well-being. This helps prevent mental health issues from interfering with treatment, recovery, and quality of life. Counselling can help couples cope with changes in roles, intimacy issues, communication struggles, and emotional distress. It provides skills for strengthening relationships through this difficult time. Counselling helps women work through grief over these losses, challenges negative thoughts, and develops a more positive and empowered view of their body and sexuality.
An online psychologist can provide crucial support and awareness to women with ovarian cancer. They can help patients cope with the emotional distress, anxiety, and depression that often accompany a cancer diagnosis. Online counsellors can also assist in managing treatment-related side effects, addressing body image concerns, improving communication with healthcare providers, supporting relationships with loved ones, and enhancing the overall quality of life. Additionally, online psychologists can provide education on stress management techniques, and self-care strategies, and facilitate support groups for women with ovarian cancer, promoting psychological well-being and empowerment.
