The Where I Want to Be Foundation expanded its emotional support team.
Now it includes educational psychologists and teachers to virtually support children with cancer.
They also help children whose parents are dealing with the disease.
This service is free and virtual.
Provides essential support to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.
It is crucial during this difficult process.
Cancer affects both physical and emotional health.
It produces emotions that are constantly changing, during and after treatment.
It is normal to feel all this.
Psychosocial oncology or psycho-oncology addresses these emotional aspects of cancer.
It seeks to improve the lives of patients and families through prevention, evaluation and treatment.
Emotional Impact of Cancer on Patients
A cancer diagnosis triggers a wide range of intense emotions.
About 56% of patients feel fear or worry about various aspects.
These responses are natural in the face of uncertainty and the challenges of the disease.
Common Emotional Reactions to a Cancer Diagnosis
After diagnosis, it’s normal to feel sadness, depression, anxiety, and anger.
Dr.
Shawna Ehlers confirms that stress and sadness are common.
These reactions are part of the process of adapting to the new reality.
Cancer-Related Fears and Concerns
Patients fear pain, body changes, and the impact on the family.
40% suffer stress from changes in their lives.
These changes include problems with health insurance, emotional support, and daily routines.
| Emotional reaction | Percentage of patients affected |
|---|---|
| Fear or worry | 56% |
| Stress due to life changes | 40% |
Effects of cancer on patient quality of life
Cancer affects social relationships, work , and daily activities.
Symptoms of depression range from sadness to physical problems.
It is crucial to recognize these signs in order to seek treatment and improve quality of life.
The emotional impact of cancer is profound and complex.
Addressing these challenges is key to providing comprehensive support to patients.
The role of psycho-oncology in supporting cancer patients
Psycho-oncology is vital for the emotional support of cancer patients and their families.
This specialty was formalized in the 1970s.
Since then, it has evolved and expanded internationally.
In 1977, the world’s first psycho-oncology unit was created.
Then, in 1984, the International Society of Psycho-Oncology (IPOS) was founded.
The Spanish Society of Psycho-Oncology (SEPO) was established in 1997.
Objectives and functions of psycho-oncology
Psycho-oncology addresses the emotional needs of patients at all stages of cancer.
It provides support from diagnosis to survivorship or grief.
- Provide psychological support to help patients cope with the emotional impact of cancer
- Offer psychological interventions to improve quality of life and emotional well-being
- Facilitate adaptation to the changes and challenges that the oncological process entails
- Promote effective communication between the patient, family, and medical team
- Addressing psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders
Psychological interventions to improve coping with cancer
Psycho-oncologists use a variety of techniques to help patients manage stress and emotions.
These interventions are key to addressing cancer-related challenges.
- Individual or group therapy to express emotions and develop coping skills
- Stress and anxiety management techniques, such as relaxation and meditation
- Communication skills training to improve relationships with family and medical team
- Interventions focused on solving specific problems, such as treatment decision-making
- Support for adjusting to changes in body image and self-esteem
Psycho-oncology also explores alternative and complementary therapies for the emotional management of cancer.
These are always coordinated with the medical team.
Importance of psychological support throughout the cancer process
Psychological support is crucial in all phases of the cancer process.
Each stage presents unique emotional challenges that require specialized attention.
| Phase of the Oncology Process | Common Emotional Challenges |
|---|---|
| Diagnosis | Shock, denial, fear, uncertainty |
| Treatment | Anxiety, depression, side effects, changes in body image |
| Remission | Fear of relapse, adaptation to the “new normal” |
| Relapse | Frustration, hopelessness, making difficult decisions |
| Terminal phase | Fear of death, anticipatory grief, need for support for the family |
| Grief | Emotional grief , adjustment to loss, need for support for loved ones |
Psycho-oncology offers support and tools for each stage of cancer.
Helps patients and families cope with emotional challenges.
Its objective is to improve the quality of life and promote adaptation.
Strategies and Resources for Emotional Cancer Management and Psychology
There are several ways to manage emotions during the oncological process.
Deep breathing and meditation help reduce stress.
Stay active with activities that give you satisfaction and normalcy.
Emotional self-care includes healthy living.
Eat well, exercise, and get plenty of rest.
This will strengthen your body and mind.
Support groups are helpful in connecting with others.
There you can share concerns and receive understanding.
It’s a safe space to express yourself.
Talk openly with your medical team about your emotions.
Don’t hesitate to ask mental health professionals for help.
They will give you tools to manage the psychological impact of cancer.
