Professional counselors restore hope and renew confidence.
“When I was diagnosed, I was amazed by how little I knew about cancer and how unprepared my family and I were. Thank God for Counseling – it gave me the strength to carry on.” – Sumitra Basu, Cancer survivor
A cancer diagnosis fundamentally disrupts a patient’s mental and emotional well-being. The symptoms and side effects extend far beyond the physical, creating significant emotional and psychological distress that impacts not only the patient but also their caregivers and loved ones [1]. While oncologists and physicians address the physical disease, specialized support is essential.
This is the role of the Cancer Counselor or psycho-oncology professional, who helps patients and families navigate the immense emotional and psychological challenges of the cancer journey.
What is Psycho-Oncology Counseling?
Counselling in oncology is a structured, therapeutic process where a patient engages in an interaction with a trained professional. The therapist creates a safe space for the patient to express the difficult thoughts and emotions triggered by cancer, such as anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, and fear [1]. Through this process, the professional is able to understand the patient’s experience better and propose tailored coping strategies to manage the massive life changes brought about by the disease.
Key Qualities of an Effective Cancer Counselor
It is critical that the professional providing cancer care counseling possesses the right qualities and credentials. They must be:
- Compassionate and Non-Judgemental: Offering empathy and unconditional positive regard.
- Highly Confidential: Ensuring all shared thoughts and feelings remain private.
- Specialized: Ideally, the counselor should be a licensed professional (e.g., psychologist, social worker, or therapist) who is specifically trained in psycho-oncology and the psychosocial impact of a cancer diagnosis [2].
How Counseling Provides Essential Support
Coming to terms with cancer is an overwhelming experience for both the patient and the family, often leading to isolation, fear, and hopelessness, which can negatively affect treatment compliance.
Professional counselors are equipped to address the complex range of issues that cancer can cause:
- Emotional and Psychological Management: Counseling helps patients manage the irrational beliefs, negative thoughts, and existential crises that are a natural response to the disease [3].
- Symptom Management: Research suggests that certain methods of psychosocial intervention, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), can help patients manage subjective side effects like perceived pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), and cancer-related fatigue [4, 5].
- Behavioral Techniques: Counselors can introduce adaptive mechanisms to help patients cope with specific treatment-related phobias, such as the fear of injections or anxiety related to being confined during an MRI scan [3].
- Addressing Life Issues: Counselors also provide support for practical issues, including financial problems, relationship strains, concerns about body image, sexuality, intimacy, and the fear of recurrence post-treatment.
What Happens in a Counselling Session?
A counselling session is dedicated to creating a safe and confidential environment. The patient is encouraged to articulate their feelings, no matter how confusing or stressful they may be. This process of focusing on uncomfortable emotions in a non-judgmental, structured space enables the patient to:
- Gain Clarity: See their circumstances more clearly.
- Restore Control: Develop coping skills that enable them to feel a sense of control over their lives and their reaction to the illness.
- Improve Compliance: Enhanced psychological well-being is strongly correlated with better adherence to challenging oncology treatment protocols [5].
Seeking Qualified Professional Support
When seeking a professional for cancer counseling, it is highly recommended to choose a therapist who belongs to a relevant professional organization specializing in oncology care, such as the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS).
Comprehensive cancer care centers integrate counseling services that may include:
- Individual and Group Counseling
- Family and Couples Counseling
- Pre- and Post-Treatment Counselling for surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation.
- Survivor Counselling focused on the psychological transition after treatment completion.
Ultimately, while talking may not be able to heal the physical illness, it profoundly impacts the patient’s ability to cope, persist, and maintain their quality of life throughout the most difficult phases of their cancer journey. If you or your loved one needs professional counseling, seeking specialized help is an act of strength.
Along with emotional and psychological support, timely and accurate diagnostic services play a vital role in comprehensive cancer care. Patients may access PET/CT scan facilities at the following locations:
Beyond counseling and diagnostic services, choosing the right cancer treatment hospital is a crucial step in the care journey. Patients across Maharashtra can access comprehensive oncology care at the following locations:
- Cancer Treatment Hospital in Pune
- Cancer Treatment Hospital in Chiplun
- Cancer Treatment Hospital in Satara
- Cancer Treatment Hospital in Talegaon Dabhade
Once diagnostic tests and hospital selection are in place, consulting the right cancer specialist ensures a personalised and well-coordinated treatment plan.
Disclaimer
The content of this blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider and consult with a licensed psycho-oncology professional or mental health therapist for guidance regarding emotional distress, psychological symptoms, or coping strategies related to cancer.
References
- National Cancer Institute (NCI). (2024). Psychological Stress and Cancer. Contextual Link:
- International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS). (2023). Standards of Quality Cancer Care. Contextual Link:
- Holland, J. C., & Bultz, B. D. (2007). The NCCN Guideline for Distress Management: A Case for Making Distress the 6th Vital Sign. Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, 5(1), 3-7. Contextual Link:
- Jacobsen, P. B., & Jim, H. S. L. (2011). Psychosocial Interventions for Anxiety and Depression in Adult Cancer Patients: Achievements and Challenges. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 61(4), 221-238. Contextual Link:
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). (2024). NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Distress Management. Contextual Link:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Blog-Psycho-Oncology: Counseling That Makes a Positive Difference in Cancer Care
Is Counseling Only For Patients Who Are Severely Distressed Or Depressed?
No. Counselling is beneficial for all cancer patients and their families, regardless of the severity of distress. It is a proactive and preventative tool to help manage the normal range of emotions (fear, anxiety, adjustment difficulties) that arise from diagnosis and treatment. Seeking counseling early can prevent acute distress from developing into severe depression or anxiety [5].
What Is The Difference Between A Counselor, A Psychologist, And A Social Worker In Oncology Care?
These professionals often work together in a psycho-oncology team:
- Social Workers typically help with practical issues like financial support, insurance, and connecting patients to community resources.
- Counsellors/Therapists (often Master's level) provide talk therapy, coping strategies, and crisis intervention.
- Psychologists (often Doctoral level) provide diagnostic assessments, psychotherapy, and may specialize in specific interventions like CBT for symptom management. The key is finding one with experience in cancer care.
Does Talking About My Fears And Sadness Make My Cancer Worse?
Absolutely not. Suppressing difficult emotions can lead to increased stress, isolation, and may indirectly hinder the ability to adhere to treatment [1]. Professional counseling provides a safe, non-judgmental outlet to express these fears. This emotional processing is essential for psychological adjustment and actually empowers the patient by freeing up mental energy needed to focus on their physical recovery and treatment plan.
When In The Cancer Journey Should I Seek Counseling?
Counseling is beneficial at any point:
- At Diagnosis: To help process the shock and fear.
- During Treatment: To manage side effects, treatment compliance, and body image changes.
- Post-Treatment/Survivorship: To deal with the "fear of recurrence" or the emotional adjustment back to normal life.
- Palliative Care: To address end-of-life concerns and existential distress.
