Cancer Patient Care - Maggie Watson

Attention to psychological problems is now recognised as an essential part of cancer patient care. Helping the cancer patient to cope with and overcome the difficulties associated with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer is a rapidly expanding field of interest. Much of this interest has arisen from an increasing awareness of the high levels of psychological morbidity and the concern that patients, often receiving aggressive physical treatments, should have a good quality of life. The last decade has brought an expansion in 'psychosocial' services to patients, with a rich fund of experience among those who have specialised with this patient group. There is a need to draw together this experience so that others coming into this field may learn of the psychological and psychiatric techniques developed. The aim of this book is to provide practical guidelines and a 'how to do it' approach to treatment which is based firmly on research and clinical experience. Topics covered include specific problems such as anticipatory nausea, cancer pain, side-effects of chemotherapy, depression and anxiety, along with guidelines for terminal care, psychotherapy and counselling. The problems associated with specific cancer diagnoses are also covered, including gynaecological cancers, breast and lung cancers, testicular tumours, leukaemia and childhood malignancies. This book will prove an invaluable guide to clinical psychologists, psychiatrists, oncologists and all other health-care professionals wanting to develop their skills in helping patients cope with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.