Saturday, June 15, 2013

What is Psycho-oncology?

What is Psycho-oncology?
  • Psycho-oncology is a sub-field of Oncology that deals with the psychological and psychiatric aspects in the field of Oncology. This field came into existence around 20 years ago, and has been developing since then. It started off as a study of how to deal with cancer patients, and now has its roots very deep.
 Psychology : Dramatic black and white face of a worried young man  emerging from a black background

Are there any factors that determine how a cancer patient may deal with the diagnosis?
Yes. There are 3 main factors that determine a patient's way of coping with cancer.
1. Society-derived factors
2. Patient-derived factors
3. Cancer-derived factors

1. Society-derived factors
This is HOW the society perceives Cancer. And how the people who are close to the patient, see cancer. For decades now, Cancer comes along with a social stigma of Cancer=Death. This has ofcourse changed now, but the way the society looks at cancer, directly affects the way the patient deals with it. For example, in some cultures, people believe that Cancer is contagious. And the society chooses to shun the patient, with the fear that they may acquire it too. You can only imagine how difficult that makes for the patient to deal with it.



2. Patient-derived factors
These are the factors that differ from patient to patient, and highly determine the coping mechanism, which again, differs for every patient.
These factors are, the age of the patient when diagnosed, the goals accomplished, the responsibility of other members, emotional maturity, religious beliefs, etc. These are intrinsic factors.
The extrinsic factors include, inter-personal relationships, family support, social support system, social status of a patient, etc.

3. Cancer-derived factors
These include the stage and type of cancer, the available treatment options, the intensity of symptoms, altered body structure due to surgery, chemotherapy, etc and pain.

Cancer Psychology : Care of relatives of a patient by a psychologist


What is the NORMAL response of a patient diagnosed with Cancer?
Well, how a patient responds differs highly and is dependent on the above mentioned factors. But, there's a pattern of behavior that is commonly observed.
  • Stage 1 is experiencing denial, and staying in disbelief, and feeling despair. This is the initial stage, and it usually lasts for about a week.
  • Stage 2 is the phase of anxiety, depression, mood alteration, frustration, inability to function or concentrate, etc. This should last for about a fortnight.
  • Stage 3 is the stage where patients come in terms with their state, and diagnosis, and explore the available options. This then turns out to be a 'self-developed coping mechanism' which is again very different in all patients. This can take weeks or months to happen.
Remember, every individual is different, and will deal with cancer in a different manner.
Effective support system is what makes it a little easier for the patients to cope.
The MANNER of delivering the diagnosis is the first and very  important step that should be taken very carefully, and should always be delivered with a treatment plan.
Also read
What is Psychological distress ?
Coping with Cancer | Active Treatment.
War against Cancer
5 reasons why you should study oncology.
Cancer in 21st century.
Brachytherapy for prostate cancer.
Cancer and surgery.
What is Cancer-related Fatigue?

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