A Systematic Encounter with a Psycho-oncologist: Longitudinal Study in Women with Breast Cancer

Abstract

Introduction: Cancer patients usually will not ask for psychological support. To increase the proportion of patients who may benefit from psychological support, an encounter was implemented in our hospital, within days following the announcement of a breast cancer diagnosis. In the current study the interest and the efficiency of such an intervention on the distress across the stages of the oncological treatment was assessed. Methods: A longitudinal design with an intervention group and a control group that did not receive the visit of the psychologist was performed. Sociodemographic and disease information, distress, coping, and patients’ needs were assessed on three occasions (diagnosis, treatment and end of treatment). Results: A significant decrease in depression (p < .05), in needs of medical information (p < .05) and a mobilization of distractive coping (p < .05) was found only in the encounter group. Conclusion: Current research indicates that an encounter with the psychologist can be helpful to cope with cancer. It also highlights the importance of coping from cancer patients. Hence, although the intervention of a psycho-oncologist is not always necessary, a systematic encounter is an adequate time where a possible psychological consultation is proposed.