Psycho-oncology
Encyclopedia
Psycho-oncology is a field of interdisciplinary study and practice at the intersection of lifestyle, psychology
and oncology
. It is concerned with aspects of cancer that go beyond medical treatment and include lifestyle, psychological and social aspects of cancer. Sometimes it is also referred to as psychosocial oncology or "behavioral oncology" because it deals with psychosocial and behavioral topics. The field is concerned both with the effects of cancer on a person's psychological health as well as the social and behavioral factors that may affect the disease process of cancer and/or the remission of it. Practitioners of "proactive psycho-oncology" see their work as an autonomous intervention intended to reverse - in the first place - the epigenetic pressure that led to the genetic changes and later the formation of tumors.
This is where the effects of:
Psycho-oncology, as a subspeciality, addresses the two major psychological dimensions of cancer: the psychological responses of patients to cancer at all stages of the disease and that of their families and caretakers (called "oncopsychology"); and the psychological, behavioral and social factors that may influence the disease process (called "psychosocial-oncology").
Psycho-oncology is an area of multi-disciplinary interest and has boundaries with the major specialities in oncology: the clinical disciplines (surgery, medicine, pediatrics, radiotherapy), epidemiology, immunology, endocrinology, biology, pathology, bioethics, palliative care, rehabilitation medicine, clinical trials research and decision making, as well as psychiatry and psychology.
Psycho-Oncology is a journal published by John Wiley & Sons
which contains articles related to research in the field of psycho-oncology.
There is an international society, the International Psycho-Oncology Society, that is "dedicated to fostering the science of psychosocial and behavioral oncology and improving the care of cancer patients and their families throughout the world".
Psychology
Psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. Its immediate goal is to understand individuals and groups by both establishing general principles and researching specific cases. For many, the ultimate goal of psychology is to benefit society...
and oncology
Oncology
Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with cancer...
. It is concerned with aspects of cancer that go beyond medical treatment and include lifestyle, psychological and social aspects of cancer. Sometimes it is also referred to as psychosocial oncology or "behavioral oncology" because it deals with psychosocial and behavioral topics. The field is concerned both with the effects of cancer on a person's psychological health as well as the social and behavioral factors that may affect the disease process of cancer and/or the remission of it. Practitioners of "proactive psycho-oncology" see their work as an autonomous intervention intended to reverse - in the first place - the epigenetic pressure that led to the genetic changes and later the formation of tumors.
This is where the effects of:
- chemobrain (brain fogBrain fogCognitive dysfunction is defined as unusually poor mental function, associated with confusion, forgetfulness and difficulty concentrating...
) or post-chemotherapy cognitive impairmentPost-chemotherapy cognitive impairmentPost-chemotherapy cognitive impairment describes the cognitive impairment that can result from chemotherapy treatment. Approximately 20–30% of people who undergo chemotherapy experience some level of post-chemotherapy cognitive impairment...
"PCCI" would be addressed. - Radiation induced cognitive declineRadiation induced cognitive declineRadiation Induced Cognitive Decline describes the possible correllation between radiation therapy and mild cognitive impairment.Radiation therapy is used mainly in the treatment of cancer. Radiation therapy can be used to cure care or shrink tumors that are interferring with quality of life...
issues. - PlaceboPlaceboA placebo is a simulated or otherwise medically ineffectual treatment for a disease or other medical condition intended to deceive the recipient...
effect and the noceboNoceboIn medicine, a nocebo reaction or response refers to harmful, unpleasant, or undesirable effects a subject manifests after receiving an inert dummy drug or placebo...
effect will be studied. - Self care issues are studied.
Psycho-oncology, as a subspeciality, addresses the two major psychological dimensions of cancer: the psychological responses of patients to cancer at all stages of the disease and that of their families and caretakers (called "oncopsychology"); and the psychological, behavioral and social factors that may influence the disease process (called "psychosocial-oncology").
Psycho-oncology is an area of multi-disciplinary interest and has boundaries with the major specialities in oncology: the clinical disciplines (surgery, medicine, pediatrics, radiotherapy), epidemiology, immunology, endocrinology, biology, pathology, bioethics, palliative care, rehabilitation medicine, clinical trials research and decision making, as well as psychiatry and psychology.
Psycho-Oncology is a journal published by John Wiley & Sons
John Wiley & Sons
John Wiley & Sons, Inc., also referred to as Wiley, is a global publishing company that specializes in academic publishing and markets its products to professionals and consumers, students and instructors in higher education, and researchers and practitioners in scientific, technical, medical, and...
which contains articles related to research in the field of psycho-oncology.
There is an international society, the International Psycho-Oncology Society, that is "dedicated to fostering the science of psychosocial and behavioral oncology and improving the care of cancer patients and their families throughout the world".
External links
- Cancer and psyche: between scientific intervention and position of omnipotence at www.psicoanalisi.it
- Cancer Recovery - Research and Wellness at www.cancerrecovery.org
- Cancer as a turning point - L.LeShan et al at www.cancerasaturningpoint.org
- Centro de Desarrollo de la Persona - Jennifer Middleton at www.persona.cl
- Psychologic support for cancer patients at www.psychooncology.gr
- Destrezas Anti-Cáncer Jens Bücher at www.destrezas.cl
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences US / Ornish cancer at www.pnas.org
- Anticancer a new way of life at www.anticancerways.com
- Psychological Help for Cancer Patients, Relatives and Medical Staff at www.oncopsychology.lt