What Is Psycho-Oncology?
You may not have heard of psycho-oncology. It is a specialized field at the intersection of psychology, psychiatry, and oncology that addresses the mental, emotional, social, and behavioral impact of a cancer diagnosis on patients and their families. The subspecialty is relatively young: it began with the work of the late Jimmie Holland, MD, at Memorial Sloan Kettering and will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2027.
Offering these services to help patients carry the emotional burden of diagnosis and treatment is a rational and long-overdue step. Fortunately, public interest in this kind of support alongside conventional cancer treatment is growing, as reflected in the work of Kelly A. Turner, PhD, and others.
Why Stress Matters During Cancer
There is mounting scientific evidence that stress impairs the immune system’s ability to mobilize its defenses. Under stress, the body releases higher levels of adrenaline, norepinephrine, and cortisol, hormones regulated by the autonomic nervous system and the adrenal glands.
These hormones are released when we believe we are in danger or under threat. Many patients see a cancer diagnosis as a death sentence, and it causes a spike in stress hormones. There is documentation that even surgery to remove the primary tumor can cause a temporary loss of immune function lasting many days before it recovers, at least in part.
When cancer develops, the immune system’s defenses have been overwhelmed. Stress is not the only factor involved, but it is one we can do something about. If a patient wants to give the immune system its best chance, it makes sense to bring stress down as low as possible. The late Australian psychiatrist Ainslie Meares pioneered the use of deep meditation, rather than medication, to help patients reach that state.
How We Help
Our psycho-oncology services focus on caring for the mind of the patient. In individual, face-to-face sessions, patients learn stress management and deep meditation, tools that help lessen pain, stress, anxiety, and depression and build resilience. Studies suggest this kind of psychosocial support improves quality of life and may also support better outcomes.
For patients who wish to reduce treatment costs to zero, we offer free group sessions limited to no more than 6 participants.
Take the First Step
A cancer diagnosis is a heavy burden, and you don’t have to carry it alone. Contact us to learn more about individual sessions or to join a free group.