Psycho-Oncology
Psycho-oncology is a specialized field that focuses on the psychological, emotional, social, and behavioral aspects of cancer diagnosis and treatment—for both patients and their families. It’s a vital part of comprehensive cancer care, often integrated with palliative care and onco-nutrition.
Why Psycho-oncology Matters:
A cancer diagnosis often brings more than just physical challenges—it can deeply affect mental health, relationships, and quality of life. Psycho-oncology helps manage:
- Anxiety and depression
- Fear of recurrence or death
- Body image issues
- Coping with treatment side effects
- Relationship and communication difficulties
- Spiritual or existential distress
What Psycho-oncology Involves:
- Psychological Counseling & Therapy
- One-on-one sessions with psycho-oncologists or clinical psychologists
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, or other supportive techniques
- Family & Caregiver Support
- Helps family members deal with emotional burnout and caregiving stress
- Group therapy or support groups
- Decision-Making Support
- Assisting patients in understanding options and making choices aligned with personal values
- Palliative Phase Counseling
- Preparing patients and families for end-of-life, grief, and bereavement support
- Survivorship Counseling
- Addressing life after treatment—fear of recurrence, reintegration into daily life, etc.
Advanced cancer centers often provide these services as part of multidisciplinary care. In Ahmedabad, centers like:
- OncoWell Cancer Hospital
have psycho-oncology or mental health support integrated into cancer care.