Psycho-Oncology
Psycho-Oncology Department
Cork University Hospital
What is psycho-oncology?
Psycho-oncology is concerned with aspects of cancer that go beyond medical treatment and include psychological and psychosocial aspects of cancer. The psycho-oncology service aims to give all cancer patients psychological care and emotional support when they need it.
Emotional reactions to cancer and its treatment
It is perfectly normal for patients to experience distress when they are adjusting to a diagnosis of cancer, its’ treatment and its effect on their daily lives. In a minority of cancer patients however, distress (typically in the form of depression or anxiety) may persist or be severe enough to be a problem in its own right that affects their well-being. In these cases, cancer-related distress may need treatment by healthcare professionals such as medical social workers, specialist nurses and psychiatrists who work with and alongside oncology doctors and nurses.
How to be referred?
You may be referred to the psycho-oncology service by your oncology nurse specialist, by a member of your medical oncology team or by your medical social worker.
What happens if you are referred to the psycho-oncology service?
A detailed assessment is carried out by the psycho-oncology nurse and appropriate individual support/treatment is offered. Sometimes you may be assessed by another team member for example a psychiatrist. Arrangements may be made so that you can have long term therapeutic support/counselling.