Psycho-oncology
Most cancer patients avoid discussing their illness. There could be a lot of reasons for this, ranging from discomfort around cancer treatment to fear of becoming emotional. Psycho-oncology is a subfield of psychology that focuses on the medical, psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of cancer in order to improve overall quality of life. Patients with cancer and their families can benefit from psycho-oncological counselling with the best psycho-oncologist near me to lessen the uncertainty, worry, helplessness, and a state of confusion that might arise due to occurance of cancer and its treatment modalitites.
History
Given the huge relevance of psychological challenges in cancer, it is remarkable that psycho-oncology was not established until the mid-1970s. Dr. Jimmie Holland, considered to be the founder of the field of psycho-oncology, watched a medical revolution that was taking place in 1977, which was centered on healing cancer patients. Dr. Holland posed a question to which none of them could respond: "How do the patients feel about it?"
She was interested in examining how people with otherwise healthy mental wellness coped mentally and emotionally with life-threatening illnesses as a psychiatrist. As a result, she campaigned for the emotional and psychological needs of cancer patients. Psycho-oncology was established in order to investigate two topics that had hitherto been overlooked in medical research: the impact of behavioral and psychosocial factors on cancer fatalities and morbidity, as well as the psychological impact of cancer on patients, their loved ones, and medical staff.
Focus theme / core-concept
Psycho-oncology, a specialized field within oncology, focuses on the emotional reactions of patients, their families, and medical personnel throughout the entire cancer journey. It also investigates the psychological, social, and behavioral aspects that impact cancer risk, prevention, and overall survival. Within psycho-oncology, there are two key dimensions: understanding how patients, families, and healthcare providers respond to cancer and its treatment at every stage, and exploring the psychological, social, and behavioral factors that influence the progression of tumors and overall survival.
Benefits
Communication Enhancement: Psycho-oncology helps facilitate these conversations, ensuring that patients understand their diagnoses, treatment options, and prognosis while feeling empowered to voice their concerns.
Managing Symptoms: Beyond physical symptoms, cancer often brings about distressing symptoms like pain, fatigue, and insomnia. Psycho-oncology integrates strategies to manage these symptoms, enhancing patients' overall well-being.
Family and Caregiver Support: Psycho-oncology counseling extends its support to these individuals, helping them navigate the challenges of providing care and managing their own emotional well-being.
Improving Adherence: Adhering to treatment plans can be challenging. Psycho-oncology identifies barriers to adherence and develops interventions to support patients in following their recommended treatments and self-care routines.
Grief and Bereavement Support: For patients and families facing end-of-life scenarios, psycho-oncology offers grief counseling and assistance in processing emotions, and helping individuals find solace and cope with loss.
Goals
A cancer diagnosis often leads to feelings of fear, anxiety, depression, and uncertainty. One of the most difficult aspects of cancer is the emotional toll it may have on patients and their families. Cancer can create feelings of worry, anxiety, and sadness, making it difficult for patients to manage the disease's physical and mental obstacles. Psycho-oncology experts aim to
- Detect and address these emotional and psychological concerns, as well as offer patients with the resources and assistance they require to manage them.
- Enhance the quality of life for cancer patients and their families by providing tailored support that addresses their unique emotional challenges.
- Enable patients and families to explore their thoughts, emotions, and concerns in a safe and non-judgmental environment.
- Address emotional distress, improve coping skills, and foster resilience.
- Work collaboratively with patients to identify their unique needs and tailor interventions that promote psychological well-being.
Techniques
1. Tailored Individual Psychotherapy
One-on-one counseling sessions with a trained therapist or psychologist who specializes in cancer care aims to provide individualized emotional support to cancer patient, reduce their specific symptoms of anxiety and depression, and help them develop coping strategies to manage the psychological impact of cancer.
2. Group Therapy
Patients with cancer often benefit from sharing their experiences with others facing similar challenges. Group therapy provides a safe and supportive environment for individuals to express their feelings, share coping strategies, and develop a sense of community. It can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide a platform for mutual support.
3. Art Therapy
Engaging in artistic activities can serve as a therapeutic outlet for patients to process their feelings and communicate with their healthcare providers when words may fall short.
4. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
In psycho-oncology, MBSR is used to teach patients how to be present in the moment, reduce anxiety, and cope with the uncertainties that come with a cancer diagnosis. Techniques such as meditation, deep breathing, and body scanning are employed to enhance mindfulness.
5. Online Resources and Telehealth
With the advent of technology, psycho-oncology has expanded its reach through online resources and telehealth services. Telehealth allows patients to access online counseling and support from the comfort of their homes, particularly beneficial for those with limited mobility or living in remote areas.
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