Onco-psychology: Helping people manage cancer-related distress

1
Onco-psychology Helping people manage cancer-
related distress
2
INTRODUCTION
The psychological health of cancer patients must
be considered in their care. In the context of
cancer, patients and their families may
frequently undergo emotional upheaval. Patients'
coping mechanisms for stress differ when they
receive a cancer diagnosis. With differing
degrees of psychological susceptibility adopted
by an El Paso cancer doctor, their psychological
reactions to cancer and its treatment may be
anticipated or unexpected. Most psychological
problems associated with cancer are subtle, and
medical practitioners may even normalize them.
Consequently, even though it is now known that
psychological issues affect between 30 and 60
of patients who receive a new cancer diagnosis
and El Paso cancer treatment, they are often
overlooked or not treated appropriately.
3
Cancer and its psychological impact on patients
The experience of cancer necessitates
mental adaptation. People are generally flexible
and adjust in ways that minimize existential
threat and can be beneficial to psychological
well-being. Many survivors of a recent cancer
diagnosis talk about how a "new normal" has been
established. Individuals with poorly developed
coping mechanisms may endure varying periods of
dysphoric mood, anxiety, altered appetite,
sleeplessness, or irritability. Three
primary elements may be associated with the
psychological adjustment (1) medical
considerations (2) patient- related factors
and (3) social and cultural aspects.
4
General practitioners, oncologists, and oncology
nurses may assess patients more effectively and
provide more individualized suggestions for
assistance when they are aware of these
aspects. While psychological problems can arise
at any stage of the cancer journey, they are
more common during diagnosis, during cancer
development or recurrence, in advanced stages of
the disease, and even following successful
treatment. A lack of understanding or suspicion
of typical mental health problems of cancer, a
lack of training or interview skills, and a
perception of time constraints are some of the
barriers to diagnosing these abnormalities.5.
Similarly, underestimating the prevalence of
depressive symptoms, assuming that all patients
will have depression (i.e., that
depressive symptoms are normalized), and finding
it challenging to explore emotional symptoms are
additional possible explanations for why these
issues are not addressed in the cancer setting.
5
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy
A popular method in oncopsychology for addressing
discomfort is cognitive behavioural therapy, a
kind of talk therapy. According to a leading
oncologist in El Paso, cognitive behavioural
therapy for cancer distress (CBT-C) lowers
stress, promotes good lifestyle choices, and may
even assist prolong longevity by preventing
cancer from returning. Cancer patients who get
CBT-C are taught how to question negative
thinking patterns, enhance the behaviours that
are linked to those thought patterns, better
control their symptoms, lower their stress
levels, and express their needs to those closest
to them.
6
Different models of treatment for psychological
disorders during the cancer treatment
The primary provider (oncologist/nurse)-driven app
roach, the collaborative care models, and the
distress screening/triage model are some of
the methods that are available for addressing
psychological difficulties in oncology. According
to the first model, referrals to
relevant psychosocial oncology practitioners will
be made in accordance with growing demands, and
adequate psychological resources will be in
place. Psychosocial educational interventions
might potentially improve the oncology
team-driven second model, which would benefit
primary oncology practitioners.
7
Are you searching for a reputed El Paso cancer
specialist? Dont forget consult Rio Grande
Cancer Specialists where you can get to know
more about cancer and the ways to find the right
oncologist in El Paso.
8
Phone [phone] Address 7420 Remcon Cir.
Bldg. A-2 El Paso, TX 79912 Website
www.rgcshope.com