The Growing Need for Psycho-Oncology

‍⁤ At the annual congress of‍ the European Society for Medical Oncology (Esmo) in Berlin, Gabriella‌ Pravettoni, Professor of ​Decision Psychology at the university⁢ of Milan and Director of ‍the Psycho-oncology Division of the European Institute of Oncology (Ieo), highlighted the meaningful, often unmet, ​psychological and social needs of cancer patients. This comes as advancements in treatment are leading to⁤ increased cancer survivorship, transforming the disease into a chronic ⁢condition for many.

‍ ​ Pravettoni emphasized that addressing ​these needs is crucial not only ‍for patient well-being‌ but also⁣ for reducing⁢ the overall burden on national health systems and social services. She stated that the social problems ⁤stemming from cancer frequently exacerbate psychological distress, leading to considerable ⁤direct and indirect costs.

European Guidelines and Current Shortfalls

⁤ A special⁢ symposium ⁣at‌ Esmo focused on Survivorship and the newly drafted European‌ Guidelines on long-living cancer patients. These guidelines, according to Pravettoni, underscore ‌the numerous unmet or insufficiently ​acknowledged needs of patients navigating life after, and during, cancer treatment.
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⁣ A key concern raised was the limited access to specialized psycho-oncological support. Pravettoni noted that in ⁢Italy, only approximately 20% of oncology centers have a psycho-oncologist‍ integrated into‌ their structure. This often results in patients receiving support from professionals lacking specific expertise in the⁤ complexities of​ cancer ⁢care.
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Beyond ⁢Treatment: Addressing Chronic⁢ Challenges

⁣ Pravettoni ⁤explained that the ⁢focus must ⁣extend beyond ⁢simply extending ⁤life expectancy to improving the quality of life for cancer survivors. This includes addressing a range of ongoing challenges, such as:

• Physical ‌Symptoms: Managing​ persistent pain and fatigue induced by the ‌cancer or its treatment.
• Return to Work: Facilitating a smooth and supportive transition​ back into​ the workforce.
• Financial Difficulties: Providing resources and support to navigate the financial strain often associated with a cancer ‌diagnosis.
• Fear of Recurrence: ​Addressing the constant anxiety surrounding the possibility of the ⁣cancer returning.
• Psychological‌ Distress: Continuing support for anxiety and depression, which often persist even after treatment completion.

The Role of ​Technology and ⁣Investment

Pravettoni advocated for increased investment in psycho-oncology services across Europe. She also suggested leveraging online platforms to provide remote support, expanding​ access to care for patients who may face geographical or ⁤logistical barriers. ⁢
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“We must help people not only to​ extend their lives but also to ⁢extend⁢ them,” Pravettoni concluded, emphasizing the importance of⁤ recognizing​ and alleviating the daily suffering of cancer patients.