An Introduction to Psycho-Oncology

Cancer is extremely common and in many situations a truly frightening disease, but for too long the psychological aspects and effects have been ignored. An Introduction to Psycho-Oncology deals in a clear and simple manner with the reactions of cancer patients to their illness, and the ways in which they can be helped. In the context of a multidisciplinary approach that takes account of medical treatments as well as psychological interventions, Guex offers suggestions for better ways of communicating so as to provide a therapeutic partnership between carer and client.

Patrice Guex is Associate Professor in the Department of Adult Psychology at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, and Medical Director of the Division of Psycho-Social Medicine at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne. Heather Goodare experienced cancer in 1986 and, finding there was little psychological support available for cancer patients, decided to train as a counsellor. She now practises privately, and is active in voluntary work with cancer self-help organizations.

Introduction 1 Psychosomatics and cancer 2 Life turned upside down 3 The concept of 'quality of life' 4 The pain of the cancer patient 5 Psychopharmacology and cancer 6 The diagnosis 7 The doctor 8 Nursing care 9 Continuity of care 10 Treatments 11 Complementary medicine 12 The psychosocial approach 13 Terminal illness