New developments in psycho-oncology

Abstract

Despite various ups and downs in the history of psycho-oncology, it's more and more developing to an evidence-based intervention that is a necessary prerequisite of a competent cancer treatment center. Various psychosocial factors have been identified that contribute to the development, course, and prognosis of cancer, such as life stress, social network, or comorbid depression. Psycho-oncology offers training programs for physicians how to minimize distress in the "breaking bad news" situation, but full intervention programs how to cope with life stress, how to cope with comorbid pain and fatigue are also available. Latest developments offer interventions to reduce the burden that is associated with medical side effects of oncologic treatments. In addition to the medical treatments, psycho-oncologic interventions are crucial to optimize quality of life of cancer patients. Finally, psychosocial interventions how to deal with end-of-life issues are also developing, but need further evaluation.