Psychosocial Stress And Cancer

Psychosocial Stress and Cancer Edited by Cary L. Cooper University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology The importance of stress in the development of heart disease is well established, but its role in cancer is only just beginning to be investigated. Recent research in humans indicates that various life events, personality pre-dispositions, as well as immunological and central nervous system interactions, may trigger the cancer process, or at the very least accentuate its development. In this book, a number of recognized international authorities provide state-of-the-art statements on the key issues of the subject. Beginning with a review of the findings to date, there follows more in-depth analysis of potential social/psychological precursors to cancer, and the way in which they may influence the aetiology and development of the disease. The final section deals with the way in which psychosocial factors may be managed in cancer patients, and provides a comparative summary of the various methodological approaches utilized in studies exploring the field of psychological oncology. The book will provide a unique digest of current knowledge as well as a starting point for future research, and will be invaluable to all concerned with the study and management of the cancer process. Other Wiley titles on this subject include: Stress Research: Issues for the Eighties Edited by Cary L. Cooper 160 pages February 1983 Mind and Cancer Prognosis Basil A. Stoll, St Thomas’s Hospital and Royal Free Hospital, London 214 pages December 1979 All about Cancer Chris Williams, CRC Medical Oncology Unit, University of Southampton 404 pages April 1983

Cancer care today often provides state-of-the-science biomedical treatment, but fails to address the psychological and social (psychosocial) problems associated with the illness. This failure can compromise the effectiveness of health care and thereby adversely affect the health of cancer patients. Psychological and social problems created or exacerbated by cancer-including depression and other emotional problems; lack of information or skills needed to manage the illness; lack of transportation or other resources; and disruptions in work, school, and family life-cause additional suffering, weaken adherence to prescribed treatments, and threaten patients' return to health. Today, it is not possible to deliver high-quality cancer care without using existing approaches, tools, and resources to address patients' psychosocial health needs. All patients with cancer and their families should expect and receive cancer care that ensures the provision of appropriate psychosocial health services. Cancer Care for the Whole Patient recommends actions that oncology providers, health policy makers, educators, health insurers, health planners, researchers and research sponsors, and consumer advocates should undertake to ensure that this standard is met.

In Meeting Psychosocial Needs of Women with Breast Cancer, the National Cancer Policy Board of the Institute of Medicine examines the psychosocial consequences of the cancer experience. The book focuses specifically on breast cancer in women because this group has the largest survivor population (over 2 million) and this disease is the most extensively studied cancer from the standpoint of psychosocial effects. The book characterizes the psychosocial consequences of a diagnosis of breast cancer, describes psychosocial services and how they are delivered, and evaluates their effectiveness. It assesses the status of professional education and training and applied clinical and health services research and proposes policies to improve the quality of care and quality of life for women with breast cancer and their families. Because cancer of the breast is likely a good model for cancer at other sites, recommendations for this cancer should be applicable to the psychosocial care provided generally to individuals with cancer. For breast cancer, and indeed probably for any cancer, the report finds that psychosocial services can provide significant benefits in quality of life and success in coping with serious and life-threatening disease for patients and their families.

In recent years interest has increased in the links between stress and breast cancer, reflecting the growing concern at the continuing increase in the disease. This book brings together leading researchers in the field to review the evidence available.

This book addresses the unmet needs of the medical community in dealing with the psychological problems, particularly anxiety and depression, of patients diagnosed with cancer. Providing a scholarly review of the impact of cancer diagnosis on patients’ emotional and psychological status, as well as the evidence that psychological factors impact cancer occurrence and biological behavior, this book explores the therapeutic implications of such converse dynamics. Chapters review financial toxicity, eHealth, palliative care, mindfulness, sleep and cancer, social support and cancer, cultural diversity, pediatric and adolescent oncology, and geriatric oncology. While intended primarily for the professional readership of oncologists, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and palliative care physicians, a final chapter also provides practical information on available resources for patients. This fully updated and expanded new edition of Psychological Aspects of Cancer: A Guide to Emotional and Psychological Consequences of Cancer, Their Causes, and Their Management provides practitioners with cutting edge knowledge as well as practical information that translates into better care for patients with cancer.

Psychological Aspects of Cancer: A Guide to Emotional and Psychological Consequences of Cancer, Their Causes and Their Management opens with two essays on the biological basis of emotion/mental-driven body processes and disease. The consequence of such considerations is that since thoughts and emotions can be modulated and changed by health care professionals, psychological counseling should be seen not only as a way to help patients cope, but possibly to influence the disease itself. A unique overview of a key area of cancer care, this important title then proceeds to offer a section on genetic predispositions to cancer and the psychological considerations involved in screening and pre-emptive therapies and decision-making in cancer therapy. A third section deals with the philosophical and religious underpinnings of psychological factors involved in coping with disease state stressors and the roles of hope in coping. The fourth section is an acknowledgement that patients with cancer live in a social context, which often includes a partner and/or caregiver. The fifth section includes several essays on aspects and modalities of care-giving that are designed to help patients coping with their cancer and its aftermath, which increasingly extends for years. An important title covering key aspects of one of the most troubling disorders of our time, Psychological Aspects of Cancer: A Guide to Emotional and Psychological Consequences of Cancer, Their Causes and Their Management will provide the busy practitioner with cutting edge knowledge as well as practical information that can translate into better care for patients with cancer.

Cancer Has Increasingly Attracted The Dread And Fascination Of Human Beings. Non-Medical People Fear It More Due To Ignorance Of Its Causes, Symptoms, Treatment And Implications. And The Medical Fraternity Continues To Attempt Finding The Answers To Their Questions Regarding The Disease Which Is Today Responsible For Nearly One In Every Eight Deaths. Stress, Personality And Cancer Is Probably The First Detailed Examination In India Of The Relationship Of Psychological Factors And The Disease. Mrs. Sumitra Srivastavas Thorough Investigation Of A Large Sample Of Cancer Investigation Of A Large Sample Of Cancer Affected And Cancer Free Individuals Is An Admirably Motivated Study. By Examining The Remote And Recent Stress And The Variables Of The Individuals? Personalities, Dr. Srivastava Has Made An Excellent Start In A New Field ? The Possible Prevention And Slowing Down Of The Cancer Process Through Advanced Psychological Therapy. Stress, Personality And Cancer Is A Well-Researched And Documented Study And Ought To Find An Extremely Wide Readership.

The level of psychological distress and the ability to adjust to a diagnosis of cancer are highly variable. Medical factors, psychological factors prior to diagnosis and social factors account for this variability. By understanding these variables, the clinician can better assess and manage the distress caused by the diagnosis and provide the most appropriate medical treatment or psychological intervention. This practical handbook will address the principal behavioural and psychological problems associated with cancer. Where appropriate, it adopts a broader, multicultural perspective, in line with the aim of the World Psychiatric Association and the Federation of Psycho-Oncology societies. The main aims of the book are: to present the significant and challenging clinical problems encountered when caring for cancer patients and their families, including assessment, diagnosis and treatment to describe the best responses to these challenges, summarizing the evidence base and digesting clinical experience where evidence from clinical trials is lacking to discuss the emerging themes in psycho-oncology, such as genetic counselling, bioethics, cultural issues and cultural diversity to provide practical suggestions for dealing with special populations, such as children, the elderly, long-term survivors or mentally ill patients. The book is designed to be easy to read and to reference, with information clearly displayed in concise tables and boxes accompanied by further detail within the text. Chapters feature clinical vignettes, including management algorithms Key Points Suggested further reading The editors aim to provide an indispensable tool for junior doctors in training in either psychiatry, psychology or oncology, general practitioners, community psychiatric nurses, palliative care physicians and other members of the multidisciplinary team. With a Foreword by the pioneer in psycho-oncology, Professor Jimmie Holland.