Abstract

HERNANDEZ, Manuel  and  CRUZADO, Juan Antonio. Psychological care for cancer patients: from assessment to treatment. Clínica y Salud [online]. 2013, vol.24, n.1, pp.1-9. ISSN 2174-0550.  https://dx.doi.org/10.5093/cl2013a1.

Cancer creates an important psychological suffering that reaches clinical levels of distress in half of those who suffer from it. Cancer is accompanied by psychopathological disorders in more than 30 % of the cases, a prevalence higher than in the general population which requires specialised psychological attention. The emotional distress is high from the beginning to the end of the medical treatment and it is a risk factor for psychopathological disorders. These problems require adequate screening and assessment, often hampered by various reasons. Simple tools are needed, easy to use in medical consultations and appropriate to detect emotional distress and mental health problems that these people may suffer, thus facilitating the referral of these patients to the psycho-oncologist in order to provide the specific treatment to those who need it in the context of comprehensive care for cancer patients. This objective involves all health professionals.

Keywords : Psychopathological Disorders; Emotional Distress; Screening; Pychological Assistance; Cancer; Psycho-oncology.

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