Psycho-oncology: Understanding the Mental and Emotional Side of Cancer Care

A cancer diagnosis is a difficult time. Most of the patients diagnosed with cancer hesitate to talk about it. There can be several reasons for not wanting to talk about it. It is definitely an emotional turmoil getting to know the diagnosis, coming to terms with it, the fear and worry related to the future all come up on the person crashing. About a third of patients with cancer experience significant distress. This is where the field of psycho-oncology comes in. The field was started in 1980s and is now slowly catching pace in India. 

What is Psycho-oncology?

Psycho-oncology is a field that deals with the emotional and mental health of cancer patients, their families, and caregivers. A cancer diagnosis can bring fear, anxiety, sadness, and stress. Many patients struggle with questions about their future, treatment, and how life will change. Families also face emotional challenges while supporting their loved ones. 

Psycho-oncology guides the patient on how to cope with these feelings with the help of counselors and therapists, as well as emotional support. Mindfulness techniques, relaxation training, and support groups can reduce stress and enhance well-being. Psycho-oncologists also collaborate with doctors to ensure that mental health is integrated into cancer treatment. 

Good mental health can make a patient feel stronger, believe in himself or herself, and do well. Support is very important because nobody should be left behind to go through cancer single-handedly. Proper care, therefore, empowers a patient and his family to withstand this challenging journey while keeping hope alive.

Role of Psycho-Oncology in Cancer Care

Psycho-oncology is a specialized area that focuses on the psychological, social, and emotional aspects of cancer care. An oncologist's role in psycho-oncology services plays a vital part in dealing with the complex, multidimensional needs of cancer patients. This integrated approach is designed to include mental health support within the overall cancer care plan. 

The diagnosis of cancer has such a profound effect on an individual's emotional well-being that proper support should not be neglected in any way.Oncologists play an important role in understanding a patient's emotional and social well-being along with their physical health. They assess how patients cope, their support systems, and their overall mental state. This helps them create treatment plans that care for both the body and mind.

Oncologists also teach the patient about the importance of maintaining his/her mental health, telling them that it is normal to feel other emotions and encouraging them to seek psychological help if they need it. This reduces the stigma around seeing mental care doctors. They collaborate with psycho-oncologists in controlling pain and other symptoms due to cancer, which can negatively affect the patient's mental well-being. They improve the quality of life and reduce emotional distress by addressing pain and discomfort. 

From diagnosis to recovery or end-of-life care, oncologists ensure that patients receive continuous emotional support. They adjust care as needed, working with psycho-oncologists to help patients navigate their changing emotional needs.

Importance of Mental Health in Cancer Recovery

Psychological care is also part of cancer care; it includes counseling and education among other services. Most cancer patients do not seek help from mental hospitals, especially those residing in remote areas where specialists are scarce. Counseling is what can help cancer patients cope with their emotions, but first, a good counselor is to be found. A qualified counselor can help patients interpret their feelings, control symptoms, and improve quality of life. 

Patients can be offered one-on-one counseling, group therapy, or support groups depending on their needs. Mental health support is particularly crucial in the initial stages of treatment to help cope with stress, anxiety, and emotional challenges. It also helps patients cope with physical changes such as pain, nausea, fatigue, and a weakened immune system. Cognitive behaviour therapy is also practiced to change negative thoughts and behaviours, thereby helping anxious and depressed patients. Timely consultancy also has a positive impact on a patient's life.

Psycho-oncology ensures that all cancer patients get medical therapy combined with emotional and psychological help. Surviving cancer is not easy, but proper mental health care would intervene with all kinds of stress, anxiety, and depression. Cancer patients, under the help of oncologists, psycho-oncologists, and counselors, can improve their well-being and quality of life. The help-seeking process is a step toward healing, and no one should face such fate alone. Emotional support gives strength and hope to live to the patient and his family.