Psychosocial Issues and Interventions of Cancer Patients

The aim of the present paper is to highlight the psychosocial issues related to cancer and the interventions employed to improve the quality of life of cancer patients. There is considerable evidence that the wide range of surgical, chemotherapeutic and radiation therapies can leave permanent damage to organs and physiological functioning and disfigurement, across the different cancer diagnosis (Loesher et al., 1989). Psychological interventions are shown to be beneficial in cancer patients. There is a well-established body of evidence demonstrating that psychosocial interventions, viz., pain management, social support, psychotherapy, body image counseling etc. increase wellbeing, improve adjustment and coping and reduce distress in people affected by cancer (Carlson&Bultz, 2003; Cunningham, 2000; Meyer&Mark,1995; Rehse&Pukrop, 2003). The recent reviews also conclude that psychosocial interventions reduce depression, anxiety and functional impairment (Owen et al., 2001).