Psycho-Oncology’s Help on Patients’ Professional and Social Life after Treatment

Therapeutic strategies allow facing the challenges of moving forward

It’s estimated that between 15% and 40% of those who underwent cancer treatment still struggle psychosocially, e.g., connecting with family and friends and returning to work.^1,2

Psycho-oncology presents therapeutic activities that help with psychological, behavioral, social and wellness issues after cancer treatment.^3,4 Some of the strategies focused on smoothing the return to the social and professional routines are:

Support groups that help social reintegration - In these groups, people seek to relieve the stress caused by cancer treatment by sharing their experiences. That way, they find support to build healthy relationships with family and friends.^1,5,7

Vocational rehabilitation - This will make returning to work easier with practices and techniques for reintegration to the professional environment. Going back to work is also a way to reconnect with people and to reach autonomy again.^1,6,7

Programs for reducing stress caused by cancer - The treatment’s adverse reactions can generate emotional stress and anxiety/depression symptoms. As a way of preventing this, psycho-oncology has strategies for dealing with these emotions during and after treatment.^1,7

Relaxation and meditation techniques to relieve anxiety - These are meant to practicing mindfulness, which helps focusing on the present moment and reaching a soothing and calm mental state. This makes it easier to reduce and even avoid thoughts that may trigger anxiety crises.^1,7,8

Lifestyle changes after cancer treatment

A lot of people who go through cancer treatment like to use the experience as a turning point to live a healthier life. Psycho-oncology helps focusing on health and holding on to these changes.² Amongst the most common lifestyle changes after the end of cancer treatment and beginning of psycho-oncology therapy are:²

• Starting practicing exercises;
• Having a healthier diet;
• Stopping smoking;
• Protecting skin from the Sun;
• Limiting alcohol consumption;
• Seeking a less stressful routine.

Besides psycho-oncology, there are other practices that help reestablishing a new routine. Learn more about other ways to recover life quality after cancer treatment.

References:

1. Grassi L, Spiegel D, Riba M. Advancing Psychosocial care in cancer patients. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5717468/. Access on: November/2019.
2. Recklitis CJ. Provision of integrated psychosocial services for cancer survivors post-treatment. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5865587/. Access on: November/2019.
3. Lang-Rollin I. Psycho-oncology. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6016045/. Access on: November/2019.
4. Psycho-Oncology – Model of Care. Government of Western Australia, Department of Health. Available at: https://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/~/media/Files/Corporate/general%20documents/Health%20Networks/WA%20Cancer%20and%20Palliative%20Care/Cancer/Psycho-Oncology-Model-of-Care.pdf. Access on: November/2019.
5. European Guide on Quality Improvement in Comprehensive Cancer Control. Available at: https://cancercontrol.eu/archived/uploads/images/Guide/pdf/CanCon_Guide_FINAL_Web.pdf. Access on: November/2019.
6. Ullrich A, Rath HM, Kerschgens C, Raida M, Aukamp CH - , Bergelt C. Return to work in prostate cancer survivors – findings from a prospective study on occupational. Available at: https://bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-018-4614-0. Access on: November/2019.
7. Life after cancer treatment. Available at: http://www.grhosp.on.ca/assets/documents/life_after_cancer_treatment_en_may2013.pdf. Access on: November/2019.
8. Mehta R, Sharma K, L Potters, Wernicke AG, Parashar B. Evidence for the Role of Mindfulness in Cancer: Benefits and Techniques. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6623989/. Access on: November/2019.