Background of necessity
Some patients also have to deal with the consequences of serious surgical procedures, such as the removal of a breast (mastectomy) in the case of breast cancer, the removal of the testicles in the case of testicular cancer, or an artificial bowel outlet in the case of colorectal cancer.
Strengthening the back in difficult times
| Briefly explained |
| Psychooncology is a relatively new form of psychiatry or psychology. It deals with the psychological and social and socio-legal consequences and concomitants of cancer. |
Psychoonkologisch trained physicians, psychologists and sociologists specialized in this sensitive phase. The goal of psycho-oncological counseling or therapy is to,
- cope with fears,
- to counteract the withdrawal from friends and other social contacts,
- and generally accepting the disease as part of one’s life.
Psychological help against fear and pain
In some cases, a psycho-oncological crisis intervention of a few hours is enough to stabilize the patient or the relatives – sometimes more time is needed. This can take the form of group or individual therapy, or sometimes a mixture of both.
Many patients also benefit from creative therapeutic outlets such as art, music or dance therapy, where they can act out the stresses.
Specialists for extreme situations
| Find quickly |
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Psychooncologists on the web: |
In such a special situation, it is also important to turn to specially trained experts. For this purpose, the further training course Psychosocial Oncology (WPO) was therefore developed, which includes theoretical and practical elements.
For information about psychooncologists in your area, contact:
- German Working Group for Psychosocial Oncology e.V. (www.dapo-ev.de);
- Working Group for Psychooncology in the German Cancer Society e.V. (PSO, www.pso-ag.de);
