1st Edition

An Introduction to Psycho-Oncology

By Patrice Guex Copyright 1994
    208 Pages
    by Routledge

    208 Pages
    by Routledge

    Cancer is extremely common and in many situations a truly frightening disease, but for too long the psychological aspects and effects have been ignored. An Introduction to Psycho-Oncology deals in a clear and simple manner with the reactions of cancer patients to their illness, and the ways in which they can be helped. In the context of a multidisciplinary approach that takes account of medical treatments as well as psychological interventions, Guex offers suggestions for better ways of communicating so as to provide a therapeutic partnership between carer and client.

    Introduction 1 Psychosomatics and cancer 2 Life turned upside down 3 The concept of ‘quality of life’ 4 The pain of the cancer patient 5 Psychopharmacology and cancer 6 The diagnosis 7 The doctor 8 Nursing care 9 Continuity of care 10 Treatments 11 Complementary medicine 12 The psychosocial approach 13 Terminal illness

    Biography

    Patrice Guex is Associate Professor in the Department of Adult Psychology at the University of Lausanne, Switzerland, and Medical Director of the Division of Psycho-Social Medicine at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne. Heather Goodare experienced cancer in 1986 and, finding there was little psychological support available for cancer patients, decided to train as a counsellor. She now practises privately, and is active in voluntary work with cancer self-help organizations.

    `... a very helpful book ... needs to be read widely, especially by all those involved in caring for cancer patients, and indeed by the patients themselves.' - The Lancet

    `... a remarkable book, designed to inform and update health professionals on the complex and important relationships between the mind and body in oncology, the study of cancer.' - Medical Research Council News

    `the chapters are laid out well and are easy to read and the book is extremely well referenced and encourages further reading. A list of addresses of useful organisations is included ... Provides a holistic review of psycho-oncology ... will prove very useful for those coming into contact with cancer patients.' - Nursing Times

    `One can understand Heather Goodare's sense of urgency and mission to bring Dr Guex's humane and intelligent message to the British public.' - Ian Robertson, The Times

    `an excellent and thought provoking book'

    `... a remarkable book, designed to inform and update health professionals on the complex and important relationships between the mind and body in oncology, the study of cancer.' - Medical Research Council News

    `a useful exploration of relationships between mind and body in people with cancer, and the range of possible treatments., - Medical Sociology News