Psycho-oncology integrates research and clinical wisdom across multiple disciplines -- including oncology, psychiatry, psychology, surgery, radiotherapy and palliative care, among others -- in the service of educating oncologists, physicians, psychiatrists and other mental health care providers, and hospital chaplains about the psychological and psychosocial challenges faced by patients with neoplastic disorders. As cancer treatment has improved, the number of patients deemed "cancer survivors" has grown, along with their more complex, long-term mental health issues. This book assists care providers in meeting the challenge presented by this population. Written by international experts in psycho-oncology, the volume offers a compact overview of the clinical elements in this field, with a primary focus on the biopsychosocial aspects of individuals with cancer as well as their families and important people in their lives. Its "bench-to-bedside" approach ensures that the techniques presented are evidence-based, practical, and effective. The following are among the book's many helpful features: The chapters are designed to stand alone, to be shared or consulted as needed, but they also develop a coherent and sequential discussion about management of the patient with cancer, as well as concerns involving the patient's family. Thus, the book as a whole serves as a comprehensive textbook in the field. The book's structure is based on psychosocial staging, much as the disease itself is staged, and progresses from discovery to initial diagnosis, treatment intervention, remission, and so forth. Each phase has its own challenges -- for patient, family, and care provider -- and supportive strategies are offered. Because identifying those patients in need of support and treatment intervention is critical, the authors provide screening techniques, as well as an entire chapter devoted to quality of life assessment, to help clinicians recognize struggling patients and alleviate their distress. A final chapter addresses developing trends in psycho-oncology and suggests that international standards of care for the cancer patient must include competent and compassionate psychosocial assessment and treatment. Concise and clinically focused, yet addressing the broad issues as well, Psycho-oncology offers cutting-edge information and invaluable assistance to physicians and mental health professionals responsible for managing patients, and the families of patients, with neoplastic disorders.
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