Psycho-oncologists are mental health professionals who work in close association with oncologists, nurses, social workers, and other members of the healthcare team to provide comprehensive psychological care to patients with cancer. Psycho-oncology also involves psychosocial oncology.
What is Psycho-Oncology?
Psycho-oncology, or supportive oncology counseling, is a specialized field related to cancer care that involves the psychological, social, and emotional aspects of cancer. It uses psychological principles to enhance the emotional well-being of patients with cancer, including patients, their families, and caregivers. Psycho-oncologists aim to detect and manage the psychological challenges associated with cancer, including depression, anxiety, fear, and uncertainty. Counseling with these specialists has been found to help improve treatment adherence, decision-making, and adjustment to the changes caused by cancer.
The Importance of Mental Health in Cancer Care
A cancer diagnosis can affect the mental health of patients. It is essential to focus on the psychological well-being of patients with cancer to achieve better health outcomes and an enhanced quality of life. Psycho-oncology (psychiatric oncology) is vital for holistic care and ensures treatment adherence in patients with cancer, which is essential for a favorable prognosis. It allows the patients to fight against uncertainty and improve decision-making. Poor mental health also affects the immune system, and managing mental health enhances immune function. Supportive oncology counseling enhances emotional support, understanding, and communication with family, friends, and healthcare providers. It also reduces overall healthcare costs by reducing the incidence of various psychological conditions, such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
How Does Psycho-Oncology Therapy Support Patients?
Some of the support systems related to psycho-oncology therapy include:
Emotional Support
Psycho-oncology therapy plays a vital role in providing emotional support for patients with cancer. The therapy assists cancer patients in coping with the emotions associated with a cancer diagnosis. The treatment ensures improved communication and assists patients in their decision-making processes.
Behavioral Support
Psycho-oncology therapy is crucial for behavioral support in cancer care. It helps patients with cancer adapt to and modify behaviors related to their diagnosis. These specialized counseling services are related to stress management, coping mechanisms, and behavioral changes associated with treatment.
Cognitive Support
Psycho-oncology therapy is essential for cognitive support in cancer care. It focuses on cognitive challenges such as memory issues, decision-making, and concentration difficulties that often accompany a cancer diagnosis. Psycho-oncologists work collaboratively with patients with cancer to provide coping strategies, enhance cognitive skills, and support mental health.
Social Support
Psycho-oncology therapy plays an important role in providing social support for individuals dealing with cancer. Psycho-oncologists address the social challenges and disruptions that often accompany a cancer diagnosis. Through counseling, patients learn to maintain relationships, communicate effectively with loved ones, and improve social interactions.
Psycho-Oncology Services
Distress assessment and evaluation
Counseling plays a pivotal role in distress assessment and examination for cancer patients. Therapists employ specialized tools and techniques to evaluate emotional distress levels, identifying psychological challenges related to the cancer experience. Through comprehensive evaluation, psycho-oncologists determine individual needs, allowing customized interventions.
Individual therapy
The role of psychological counseling in individual therapy is significant in addressing the unique emotional challenges of patients with cancer. Through one-on-one sessions, therapists provide personalized support and help them cope with anxiety, depression, and uncertainty.
Marital therapy
Counseling plays a vital role in marital therapy for couples affected by cancer. Therapists improve emotional expression, communication, and coping strategies to strengthen the marriage bond during the cancer diagnosis and treatment. Marital therapy supports couples in managing the emotional complexities related to cancer.
Family therapy
In family therapy within psycho-oncology, psycho-oncologists address the overall impact of cancer on families. By encouraging open communication, therapists help families manage emotional challenges, share responsibilities, and provide mutual support.
Stress management techniques (relaxation therapy, guided imagery, etc.)
Psycho-oncologists use stress management techniques to help cancer patients manage their emotional health during the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Psycho-oncologists use various approaches, such as relaxation exercises, mindfulness, and cognitive-behavioral strategies. These techniques empower cancer patients to reduce stress, enhance resilience, and enhance their overall well-being.
De-addiction (tobacco cessation, alcohol, and other substance abuse)
While this counseling approach primarily focuses on the emotional and psychological aspects of cancer, it may indirectly assist cancer patients in dealing with addiction. For patients with cancer who are also struggling with substance use issues, psycho-oncology therapy offers a comprehensive approach to managing mental health challenges.
End-of-life care
Psycho-oncology is crucial in end-of-life care, providing compassionate support to cancer patients with terminal illnesses. Therapists help patients manage emotions, fears, and uncertainty.
Grief and bereavement counselling
Psycho-oncology plays a crucial role in grief and bereavement counseling, supporting individuals coping with the loss of a loved one to cancer. Therapists manage the unique challenges of grieving during the cancer journey.
Rehabilitation counselling: breast prosthesis (artificial breast), wigs for hair loss, stoma care, etc.
In rehabilitation counseling, psycho-oncology assists cancer survivors in improving their lives after treatment. Therapists address physical, emotional, and social challenges, guiding individuals in rebuilding their routines. Through customized interventions, supportive oncology counseling assists survivors in overcoming barriers, enhancing coping strategies, and improving their overall well-being.
Brain lab: neurocognitive assessment and remediation
In neurocognitive assessment within psycho-oncology, therapists evaluate the effect of cancer and its treatments on cognitive function. A comprehensive psycho-oncological assessment identifies cognitive challenges such as memory or concentration difficulties.
How to Choose a Psycho-Oncologist?
Following are some of the measures that may assist in finding the best psycho-oncologists.
Choose a doctor with experience in psycho-oncology
Selecting a doctor with experience in psycho-oncological counseling is essential for comprehensive cancer care. A specialized practitioner understands the complexity of mental health and cancer, providing personalized emotional support. Their expertise in cancer-related psychological aspects ensures patients and their families receive comprehensive care.
Speak to the doctor or their staff about the number of patients treated
When considering a psycho-oncologist, it is important to discuss their experience with psycho-oncology. Please inquire about the number of patients they have treated using this specialized approach. Understanding their expertise in addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of cancer can help in identifying the best psycho-oncologist.
Know about the team in detail.
A psycho-oncology team comprises specialized professionals dedicated to managing the emotional and psychological needs of cancer patients. The team includes psycho-oncologists, clinical psychologists, psychiatric nurses, and counselors.
Ask about the patient facilities and unique services at the clinic
When considering a clinic for cancer care, inquire about patient facilities and specialized services in psycho-oncology. Assess the availability of counseling rooms, support groups, and other therapeutic areas. Ask about specialized services like nutritional counseling, mindfulness programs, or complementary therapies.
Schedule an appointment
Once the right psycho-oncologist has been identified, the patient can schedule an appointment with them. Contact the specialist or the hospital to request an appointment, conveying an interest in emotional and psychological support. During the appointment, patients should discuss their concerns, emotions, and any challenges they are facing related to cancer.
Psycho-Oncology Department at HCG Cancer Centres
At HCG, we have a team of highly skilled psycho-oncologists and therapists who excel at addressing the emotional distress experienced by cancer patients during and after treatment.
HCG Cancer Centre, Bangalore
The psycho-oncology department at HCG Cancer Centre, a leading cancer speciality hospital in Bangalore, is run by experts specially trained in managing emotional challenges associated with cancer and its management.
HCG Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad
The core departments at HCG Cancer Centre, Ahmedabad, a top oncology hospital in Ahmedabad, are supported by allied services like psycho-oncology counseling, which is important for the overall well-being of the patient.
HCG Cancer Centre, Mumbai
HCG, a top cancer institute in Mumbai, believes that cancer can affect both the physical and mental health of patients. Therefore, it offers comprehensive psycho-oncology counseling services that help patients cope better during their treatments.
HCG EKO Cancer Centre, Kolkata
As a comprehensive oncology hospital in Kolkata, HCG EKO focuses on delivering 360-degree care to its cancer patients, and this includes allied services such as psycho-oncology counseling. Psycho-oncologists at HCG EKO devise personalized coping strategies that help cancer patients manage their distress in a better way.
HCG Cancer Centre, Nagpur
HCG Cancer Centre, a leading cancer hospital in Nagpur, prioritizes managing cancer with holistic care. Psycho-oncology counseling is one of the many supportive services offered to cancer patients at HCG Nagpur to improve their mental and emotional well-being throughout their cancer journey.
Why Choose HCG for Psycho-Oncology?
HCG is one of the best centers for receiving services related to psycho-oncology in India. Choosing HCG for psycho-oncological counseling ensures access to comprehensive and specialized support for cancer patients. The center has a team of experienced psycho-oncologists, psychologists, and support staff dedicated to addressing the emotional and psychological needs of patients. With a patient-centric focus, HCG provides customized interventions, support groups, and counseling services to enhance overall well-being during diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. The commitment to comprehensive and individualized care makes HCG a preferred choice.
