| Abstract: |
Psycho-oncology is a subspeciality of oncology that focuses on psychosocial problems experienced by cancer patients and their families; it provides evidence-based approaches to management of these specific problems. These Companion Guides in Psycho-Oncology Care are intended to make clinical management information accessible to oncology clinical staff, psycho-oncologists, and allied professionals seeking to increase their psycho-oncology skills. Mental health problems in cancer patients can be both preexisting and arise within the context of the cancer's diagnosis and treatment. This companion guide covers palliative and end of life care. As such, it brings the challenges of advanced cancer into sharp focus as the existential threat rises, bodily frailty can start to develop, and the person begins to face their mortality. The material presented here is intended for quick access by clinicians, whatever their discipline, as their patients and families face these challenges, whether medical, psychological, social, or spiritual in nature. Talking about dying is a poignant and sensitive task for every clinician and ought never to become easy, lest the person in need be not understood and accompanied with exquisite care. This care is directed not only to patients, but also their families, children and adolescents, culturally and linguistically diverse peoples, the bereaved, and the staff who care for all of these people-all of this is the remit of this book. The authors of this Companion Guide are experienced clinicians and researchers with many years of experience in the care of patients with cancer and their families. The readers of the book will find it helpful to advance the quality of this care delivery to thus enrich the lives of all patients with cancer and their families. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved) |
