Cancer patients may exhibit various emotional and behavioral responses during diagnosis, treatment, and advanced stages of the disease. Some of these responses are normal and even adaptive. These types of responses are the expected “normal” reactions during this disease process. However, when responses become dysfunctional and disrupt adaptation, psychological and psychosocial support treatments, including psychological/psychiatric evaluation and treatment services, are provided to this group of patients at the Anadolu Health Center Psycho-Oncology Department.

What psychological responses may arise after a cancer diagnosis?

Although it varies from person to person, the reactions that may occur in a patient following a cancer diagnosis include:

• Shock and denial
• Anger and rebellion (e.g., “Why me?” “Why my child?”)
• Threat of annihilation, sense of loss, thoughts of separation and death
• Anxiety, panic, and feelings of helplessness caused by the new reality experienced

Conditions that determine the need for psychological support after a cancer diagnosis

• Inability to cope with mood changes aimed at adaptation
• Concerns, fears, and expectations regarding treatment options and the treatment process
• Rejection of illness and treatment
• Disruption of family dynamics and relationships
• Inadequate social support
• Uncontrolled pain
• Depression
• Loss of interest and pleasure in usual activities
• Distress, anxiety, fatigue
• Crying, feelings of despair
• Sleep disorders
• Increase/decrease in appetite
• Excessive irritability
• Forgetfulness/concentration difficulties
• Tension, restlessness
• Withdrawal
• Fear of death
• Suicidal thoughts/attempts
• Anxiety disorder
• Restlessness, tension, worry, anxiety, fear, irritability
• Impatience, distress, inability to fall asleep, restlessness, difficulty concentrating
• Feeling like one is going to explode
• Feeling like one is going to lose their mind
• Loss of control
• Sleep issues

What are the psychosocial challenges in cancer patients?

• Uncertainty and worries about the future
• Fear of disease recurrence
• Separation anxiety
• Fear of losing basic functions
• Fear of damage to body organs and parts
• Change and deterioration in appearance
• Fear of losing love, attention, and support
• Feeling inadequate
• Isolation from work and social environment due to treatment and side effects
• Potential psychological issues
• Inadequate social support
• Fear of death

What are the ethical principles of psycho-oncological practice?

• Empathy and information sharing are essential in the Patient-Psychologist relationship.
• Respect is shown to the principle of privacy and confidentiality.
• No information is shared with others without the patient’s permission and knowledge.
• An important principle in the relationship with the patient is allowing them to freely express their emotions.
• The psychologist, through close, respectful, and empathetic interaction, enables the patient to express these emotions and thoughts.
• Informs the patient about current and potential psychological conditions.
• In this sense, the psychologist also serves as an educator and guide.

What kinds of activities are conducted in the Psycho-Oncology Department at Anadolu Health Center?

Outpatient services

• Psychological support for relatives and families referred to the clinic from oncology departments
• Psychological support for oncology patients and their families who have applied individually
• Psychological support for discharged oncology patients and their families from inpatient services

Psycho-oncological activities in inpatient wards

• Routine visits
• Family meetings
• Patient-centered care activities, including weekly conversations, art, music, and sports activities, breathing exercises
• Individual counseling sessions
• Social support celebrations for special occasions (holidays, New Year, birthdays)
• Psychological evaluation tests