Outline

Definition Introduction Objectives Literature review Research methodology Results and discussion Conclusion and recommendations

Definition

Oncology: The term oncology literally means a branch of science that deals with tumors and cancers. The word “onco” means bulk, mass, or tumor while “-logy” means study (Dr Ananya Mandal, MD). So Oncology means the study of tumor, mass or bulk.

Introduction Cancer is a disorder of cellular growth. Cancerous cells may be mechanically transported

through the blood or lymphatic system to distant sites, where new tumors may then develop.

Advances in surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy have all contributed to decreases in cancer mortality rates.

Despite improvements in cancer treatment, Cancer is the third leading cause of death internationally.

Cases Reported in Pakistan (SKMCH & RC)

Primary Prevention

Primary prevention is aimed at decreasing

the occurrence of cancer.

A number of behavioral or lifestyle factors

have demonstrated associations with the

incidence of cancer of specific sites.

Social Support The literature suggests a strong relationship between social

support and adjustment to cancer (Helgeson &Cohen, 1996;

Michael et al., 2002; Pistrang & Barker, 1995).

In general, individuals who report greater social support have

lower levels of distress and use more adaptive coping techniques

compared to those who repot less social support (Manneet al.,

1999).

Individuals reporting greater social isolation are more adversely

affected by cancer, such that they experience decreased physical

functioning, lower rating of their quality of life, and increased

fatigue (Michael et al., 2002).

Quality of Life in Cancer Patients Undergoing Treatment

Cancer Patients who receive treatment for their cancer

experience multiple stressors, such as treatment side

effects, interruption of life tasks and goals, financial

difficulties work related disruptions, changes in social

networks, and continued uncertainty about the future.

Symptoms that have been found to increase over the

course of treatment include anxiety, pain appetite loss, and

treatment specific side effects, with increase in fatigue and

decreases in functional abilities (Andersen & Machin 2000).

THE CLINICAL HEALTH PSYCHOLOGIST’S ROLE IN ONCOLOGY SETTINGS

Within a given oncology setting, the clinical health psychologist’s role should be one that provides the best enhancement of patient care.

if no other psychosocial services are available to patients, then the psychologist may function primarily as a direct care provider for all distressed patients.

If, on the other hand, other psychosocial services are available (e.g., social work, pastoral counseling), then the psychologist may offer more targeted patient care.

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Clinical health psychologists may function as consultants, administrators, researchers, and educators ( Tovian, 1991).

To function most effectively in any of these roles, it is imperative for the psychologist to develop and maintain good working relationships with other health professionals.

Clinical health psychologists may also promote effective communication between patient and their providers, both by working with specific provider-patient pairs and by providing more general education about communication.

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It is imperative that the health psychologist has extensive knowledge of the different types of cancer and the common cancer treatments.

Patients may not be able to tolerate long therapy sessions or may have difficulty traveling to their medical appointments because of treatment side effects or sudden changes in their medical status.

It is important to consider shorter therapy sessions as well as alternative communication modalities such as telephone or e mail (Tovian, 1991).

REFERENCES

The Essentials of Clinical Health Psychology. Edited by P. Kennedy and S. Llewelyn. C _ 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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