A comprehensive, evidence-based guide to the role of psychology in cancer care

Multidisciplinary authors provide a holistic overview
Details the key principles and models of cancer-related distress
Guides through assessment and treatment
Illustrated with case studies
Printable tools for clinical use

More about the book

Psychosocial oncology is a health psychology specialty that focuses on the psychological, behavioral, emotional, and social challenges faced by patients with cancer and their loved ones. Cancer can cause significant distress, and psychosocial interventions are known to be effective for helping patients and families navigate the many issues that can arise at any stage of the cancer continuum. This volume provides psychologists, physicians, social workers, and other health care providers with practical and evidence-based guidance on the delivery of psychological interventions to patients with cancer. The multidisciplinary team of authors succinctly present the key principles, history, and theoretical models of cancer-related distress and explore clinical assessment and interventions in cancer care, in particular psychological and psychiatric treatments, multidisciplinary care management, and supportive interventions. Case vignettes provide clear insights into diagnostic processes and treatment planning, and printable handouts and screening tools are invaluable for practitioners.

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From the reviews

“I am continually impressed with the Advances in Psychotherapy – Evidence-Based Practice book series – and this has to be one of the best. This evidence-based guide walks through the complexity of the psychological, behavioral, emotional, and social challenges and provides practical treatments and approaches to help patients. Clearly a book that belongs on the shelf of every multidisciplinary oncology team and should be required reading.”
Nicholas Greco IV, MS, BCETS, CATSM, FAAETS, C3 Education and Research, Inc., Chicago, IL, in Doody’s Reviews (Feb. 2024)

Praise for the book

"This is an extremely comprehensive, evidence-based, yet deeply clinical and practical book that is a must-read for any professional who is committed to helping cancer patients and their caregivers. The authors couple their profound knowledge of the current science with clinical acumen that makes the material come alive and practical. I strongly recommend this book to both trainees and advanced practitioners who want to have the most recent advances in the field at their fingertips."
Matthew Loscalzo, LCSW, APOS Fellow, Executive Director, People & Enterprise Transformation; Emeritus Professor of Supportive Care Medicine and Professor of Population Sciences at City of Hope, CA

"This is an incredible resource for all psychosocial clinicians who support patients with cancer throughout their treatment trajectory and into survivorship. The chapter on psychological approaches to cancer care is concise and comprehensive in covering evidence-based interventions. It is essential reading for clinicians in any stage of their career."
Krista Nelson, LCSW, OSW-C, FAOSW, FAPOS, Immediate Past President, Association of Community Cancer Centers; Program Manager, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR

"This book provides a thorough and approachable overview of the etiology, differential diagnosis, and treatment of cancer-related anxiety and mood disorders. It is a valuable reference point for oncologists as well as psychosocial oncologists and especially useful to general mental health professionals, trainees, and medical practitioners in primary care and other noncancer specialties."
Alan Valentine, MD, FAPOS, Chair, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

"This is a go-to resource for clinicians and trainees seeking to provide state-of-the-art, evidence-based supportive care for patients and families affected by cancer. The authors deserve high praise for not only describing the key theoretical underpinnings of the psychosocial effects of cancer but also offering practical guidance on assessing and treating the most common forms of distress experienced by this vulnerable population. The work is comprehensive yet concise and immensely informative!"
Joseph A. Greer, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology, Harvard Medical School; Co-Director, Cancer Outcomes Research & Education Program, Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, MA

"This book helps therapists to quickly gain understanding of the most common issues encountered with individuals impacted by cancer and to incorporate evidence-based approaches into their treatment. It is one of those go-to books you want on your bookshelf."
William Pirl, MD, MPH, Vice Chair for Psychosocial Oncology, Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA

Psychological Approaches to Cancer Care

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