What is Psycho-oncology?

Georgia Koutsoukou, Clinical Psychologist MCC

Psycho-oncology developed in the 1980s as a sub-specialty of oncology. The main aim was to highlight not only the physical but also the psychological, social and spiritual aspects of the human being affected by the disease, which in turn influence the course of treatment.

Health psychologists began to contribute to clinical care and research around the psycho-biological transitions of cancer. The goal is not only to help people survive, but to support and improve their quality of life based on the areas that are important to them.

In the past, doctors' attention was focused exclusively on the medical care of patients, with the result that psychological factors were neglected and ultimately patients did not receive comprehensive treatment. The psychological dimensions of cancer are most often manifested through feelings of anxiety or depression.

The American Cancer Society (1913) made a significant contribution to public awareness of cancer by highlighting the importance of emotional support. It drew on the experience of people who had overcome the disease in order to prepare and emotionally support patients who were about to begin therapy for cancer. Connecting people and sharing their experiences proved to be a powerful source of support.

Thanks to psycho-oncology, the psychosocial dimensions arising from cancer can be assessed and treated. Research shows that stress levels are reduced while self-management and self-esteem levels are increased after appropriate supportive interventions, whether individual or group.

The psychological impact is often a grey area for the patient and family. Relatives avoid asking the patient how they are feeling to avoid triggering feelings of distress (or to avoid embarrassing themselves). Patients in turn find it difficult to express their feelings so as not to impose a practical or psychological burden on their caregivers. For this reason, it is very important to have a therapeutic space that can frame and understand the emotions of both patients and family.

Discomfort is a common emotional experience in cancer patients. However, it does not arise from the same causative factors for all. It may arise from physical, family, psychological, spiritual, practical difficulties or a combination of the above. The assessment of the etiological basis is very important for tailoring and implementing an individualized psychotherapeutic plan.