Some Psychological Aspects of Dealing with Cancer

Cancer has a potentially profound affect upon the emotional and physical life of the patient and his or her family. For most people the word “cancer” has a fearsome connotation. This discussion explores the areas of self-image, body-image, and personal relationships that are often altered in cancer patients, as well as the emotional and cognitive states which can result from malignancy and its treatment. We will also review some techniques for helping the patient. It is important to remember that the psychological responses to any illness are individual and largely determined by the patient’s past experience, psychological strengths, weaknesses and social supports, and by the patient’s values, including religious beliefs