VIDEO: Helping cancer patients cope with psychological side effects

CHICAGO – Oncologists are highly skilled at minimizing side effects associated with toxic but curative therapies, but are less adept at helping patients cope with the distress, anxiety, fear, and other emotions associated with cancer.

Three studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology detail randomized, controlled trials of psychological interventions aimed at helping patients cope with a new cancer diagnosis, reduce fears of a recurrence, and come to grips with the realities of advanced disease, including fears of death or disability.

Don S. Dizon, MD, from the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, discusses the social and financial barriers that cancer patients face when they experience distress, and the difficulties that providers face with limited time and financial resources to help patients cope in this video interview.

Dr. Dizon reported having no relevant disclosures.

CHICAGO – Oncologists are highly skilled at minimizing side effects associated with toxic but curative therapies, but are less adept at helping patients cope with the distress, anxiety, fear, and other emotions associated with cancer.

Three studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology detail randomized, controlled trials of psychological interventions aimed at helping patients cope with a new cancer diagnosis, reduce fears of a recurrence, and come to grips with the realities of advanced disease, including fears of death or disability.

Don S. Dizon, MD, from the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, discusses the social and financial barriers that cancer patients face when they experience distress, and the difficulties that providers face with limited time and financial resources to help patients cope in this video interview.

Dr. Dizon reported having no relevant disclosures.

CHICAGO – Oncologists are highly skilled at minimizing side effects associated with toxic but curative therapies, but are less adept at helping patients cope with the distress, anxiety, fear, and other emotions associated with cancer.

Three studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology detail randomized, controlled trials of psychological interventions aimed at helping patients cope with a new cancer diagnosis, reduce fears of a recurrence, and come to grips with the realities of advanced disease, including fears of death or disability.

Don S. Dizon, MD, from the Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Boston, discusses the social and financial barriers that cancer patients face when they experience distress, and the difficulties that providers face with limited time and financial resources to help patients cope in this video interview.

Dr. Dizon reported having no relevant disclosures.