Psycho-oncology as part of holistic treatment of cancer patients
When healthcare professionals interact with cancer patients and their families at various stages of their treatment, we also encounter their distress, which is described on a continuum from expectable and transient distress to profound, long-lasting distress that impairs the individual's abili...
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| Main Authors: | , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | Slovenian |
| Published: |
Institute of Oncology Ljubljana
2024-12-01
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| Series: | Onkologija |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://revijaonkologija.si/Onkologija/article/view/563 |
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| Summary: | When healthcare professionals interact with cancer patients and their families at various stages of their treatment, we also encounter their distress, which is described on a continuum from expectable and transient distress to profound, long-lasting distress that impairs the individual's ability to function and fulfils the criteria for a mental disorder. Through good communication, empathetic support, coping with physical problems, and information, we can significantly support the patient's sources of strength in coping with cancer. It is also important to recognize the patient's level of distress and, if necessary, administer medication and refer them to appropriate support services. A patient who is experiencing severe distress or has a mental health disorder may find it more difficult to participate in communication with healthcare professionals and to cope with the symptoms of physical illness and the side effects of treatment, which may indirectly influence the outcome of treatment for a malignancy.
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| ISSN: | 1408-1741 1581-3215 |