For example, techniques used by psychologists can significantly reduce anxiety before surgery and decrease the nausea that often precedes and accompanies chemotherapy. Psychological interventions can also help the majority of cancer patients who report debilitating pain. Psychological techniques can be used to create positive imagery, to increase the motiviation to adhere to new behaviors and to facilitate reentry into the real world once treatment has been completed. The posttreatment period is usually ignored. Emotional recovery from the trauma of cancer treatment takes longer than physical recovery.
Psychological services can help mitigate the long term effects of cancer treatment.
Cancer affects an entire family, not only because there are genetic links to cancer and cancer risk but because when one member of a family has cancer the whole family must deal with the illness. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, help for the entire family may be in order. Communication amongst all the players and protecting against caregiver burnout is imperative. Psychologists help construct a game plan that works for all family members during every phase of the illness. A fact sheet explaining how psychology can help in the recovery from serious illness including cancer.