More than just therapy: psycho-oncology

A cancer diagnosis completely upsets the lives of the vast majority of those affected. The connection to psycho-oncology can help patients and their relatives.

Cancer has a huge impact on mental health

• Although cancer is much more treatable today than it used to be, many people still associate severe illness and suffering with the disease.
• Psycho-oncological interventions can contribute to self-help and the use of existing resources.
• Relatives can also benefit from support.
• Almost every cancer patient experiences psychological stress over the course of the disease.

Body and soul are closely connected

The vast majority of cancer patients go through one or more phases of psychological stress over the course of their disease. From grief to anger to despair, the entire spectrum of human emotions is often represented. The fact that many types of cancer are nowadays easily treatable does not change this. Struggling with one's own fate is almost omnipresent after a cancer diagnosis. However, mental health also has an impact on physical well-being.

Psycho-oncological support services are important

Therefore, it is relevant to think about a psycho-oncological connection for the patients - but also for their relatives - at an early stage. Cancer is not only difficult for those affected. Those around them usually suffer as well.

Psycho-oncologists provide much more than just therapy. They can point out to resources that the family may not have been aware of. The experts also help people to come to terms with the disease and to cope with it.

A question of attitude

The attitude towards one's own illness can also be a topic of medical appointments. In this way, the feeling of loss of control, and of being sad and overwhelmed can be adressed and reduced. Strengthening mental health can in turn have a positive effect on the physical course of the disease.

Conclusion for medical practice

Psycho-oncological procedures contribute significantly to disease management and the mental health of oncological patients. Referral to a specialist should therefore be considered at an early stage.
 

If you want to stay up to date on topics in gynaecological oncology, don't miss the Charité Mayo Conference:

The 12th Charité Mayo Conference will take place in Berlin from 26-29 April and will offer the latest results from cutting-edge research and clinical care in the field of gynaecological oncology. In addition to lectures, participants can expect a diverse programme consisting of 12 hours of live surgeries, debates, exclusive master workshops and international panel discussions. Participation is only possible in person on site.

Further information from oncolocy and gynaecology

• esanum's special site for the 11th International Charité Mayo Conference
• esanum's special site for the ESMO 2022 Congress
• esanum's special site for the EAU 2022 Urology Congress
• esanum's special site for the 2021 ASCO Annual Meeting