"Psycho-oncology services provide interventions aimed at preventing or reducing the emotional impact of cancer and at improving patients´ skills to cope with the demands of treatment and the uncertainty of the disease. A number of trials have proven the efficacy of these interventions. Evidence indicates that providing these services to patients and their families as part of standard regular care reduces the distress and psychosocial morbidity and improves the quality of life and well-being during and after cancer treatment - plus they are cost effective," Dr. Luzia Travado (Lisbon) reports (in Praxis Klinische Verhaltensmedizin und Rehabilitation, Supplement 2012).
The author critizises: "Despite psychosocial care being widely considered an important part of cancer care, psychosocial needs of patients often are not recognized, and these services are not offered regularly to patients as part of their routine standard care, from diagnosis, across treatment phases and survivorship.
The provision of psycho-oncology services in Europe is very diverse, irregular, and greatly depends on how a country and its National Cancer Control Plan or strategy considers it. Psychosocial services are available mostly in cancer centres, university hospitals and oncological rehabilitation centers across Europe, but more rarely in general hospitals. Referral to these services and/or to community support groups have been reported as inconsistent, and in some countries the availability of these services is still scarce or even completely absent. In some, community resources and patients´organizations, like cancer charities or advocacy groups, are the only resource available ..."
Praxis Klinische Verhaltensmedizin und Rehabilitation, Supplement 2012
