Psychological counselling 

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A diagnosis of cancer remains a devastating life event for most individuals. Despite the enormous advances over the recent years improving the outcome of many types of cancer, the word still strikes a deep sense of foreboding in those directly and indirectly affected. Its always a surprise how well most people cope with the trauma of cancer and its treatment some argue this is part of our basic survival instinct. When pushed to the wall man has tended to fight back!

The suicide rate, for example, among patients with cancer is actually less than the general population.  Nevertheless, in detailed studies up the 40% have a varying degree formally measured anxiety or depression and many more have fluctuations in mood. Patient usually feel most vulnerable period is often shortly after the end of the initial intensive therapies such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy or herceptin. During this time they usually have significant support from the hospital and community staff which can often suddenly cease leaving them with a sense of foreboding and a feeling they are stepping into the unknown.  

Clearly if there is clinically significant depression therapeutic intervention should be considered and patients are advised to see their local doctor for advice. Otherwise, this is a good time to consider investing into a course of psychological counseling. A good professional counselor will spend time listening to patients fears, based on the recent and based experiences and their underlying personality makeup, and then re-channel them into positive psychological and physical lifestyle strategies. In the UK many oncology units do not have formal psychological counsellors but many excellent private services can be found locally.

Find a counselor:

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Further general information Your doctors and specialist nurses are in an ideal position to give you relevant information on your disease and treatment as they know your individual circumstances. Cancerbackup has a help line (0808 800 1234) and a prize winning video available in English, Italian, Urdu, Bengali, Gujarati & Hindi explaining Radiotherapy & Chemotherapy. Cancernet.co.uk has over 500 pages describing cancer, its management, practical tips and tool which patients, their carers and their doctors have found helpful during the cancer journey.