Psycho-oncology is an interdisciplinary field at the intersection of physical, psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of the cancer experience for both patients and caregivers.
In addition, research related to the influence of psychosocial factors on biological disease-related processes has burgeoned over the past two decades.
[5] Psychological and behavioral responses by individuals to diagnosis and treatment of cancer in an effort to manage the substantial stress and threat to health are of primary interest in the field of psycho-oncology.
Emotional suppression and avoidance of discussion related to the topic of cancer, as well as passive behaviors preclude individuals from directly managing the concerns that are giving rise to psychological distress.
[8] Some patients refer to "the gift of cancer" due to it inspiring them to look closely at their lives or deaths and make changes to improve both.
[9] Cancer presents individuals with a major health threat that often challenges one's sense of self as they attempt to navigate changes to their lives as a result of diagnosis and treatment.
[10] Meaning making can be a part of a positive growth process that occurs after diagnosis with cancer and is associated with greater quality of life and well-being.
Included in this domain of interest are preventive medicine behaviors of smoking cessation and use of skin protection as well as adherence to treatment regimens.
Chief among behaviors that are targeted to decrease individuals' risk for cancer are smoking and alcohol consumption, diet and exercise, and sun exposure.
Both instrumental and emotional social support have been shown in research to improve quality of life in patients being treated for cancer.
Life changes including functional impairment may separate people from their friends and family, and a shift from "healthy" to "ill" in terms of self-identity can lead to a sense of social isolation as well.
Research has shown that social isolation and perceptions of loneliness have significant negative impact on physical and psychological quality of life in individuals with cancer.
[20] CBT-based interventions have incorporated strategies for communication with providers about topics including symptom management and prognostic understanding.
[26] Multiple evidence-based treatments for mood and anxiety disorders in the general population have been adapted to deal with stressors directly related to cancer.
[30] Mindfulness is a burgeoning area of interest as a common element across multiple modalities in mental health treatment,[31] having shown effectiveness in ameliorating depressive symptoms and anxiety.
[32][33] Mindfulness-based stress reduction specifically intended to help patients with cancer has been proven effective for decreasing levels of cancer-related distress.
[citation needed] The stigmatized nature of psychological concerns made it difficult to identify those patients who could benefit from early intervention to prevent or attenuate symptoms of depression or anxiety that may emerge.