The Need for a Psycho-oncologist

This article is based on an interview with Dr. Harsha Agarwal, who is a leading Psycho-oncologist and Head of Psycho-oncology Department at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre. She specialises in mental health support for cancer patients.

What is the role of a Psycho-oncologist?

Psycho-oncologists assess, diagnose, and provide therapeutic psychological treatment to cancer patients. These patients can be cancer patients, their family members, caregivers, etc. This helps the cancer patients better identify and acknowledge their problems pertaining to mental health and well-being. These sessions aid patients in processing and connecting their thoughts and emotions. The sessions act as a medium to avoid any withholding of patient information by their caregivers, and to ensure patients freely express their concerns without fear.

Encouraging open communication also involves creating a safe space to ensure patients can rely on Psycho-oncologists, instead of external sources of information, such as search engines, AI tools, and ill-informed well-wishers. Furthermore, a Psycho-oncologist also assists in improving communication amongst all the stakeholders in the cancer patient’s treatment process.

The need and importance of a Psycho-oncologist

A cancer patient is not merely a physical body, but also a multi-dimensional individual who requires assistance to improve their mental health, behavioural, and emotional well-being, alongside medical treatment, to truly ensure complete recovery.

However, when the word “Cancer” itself triggers fear, anxiety, and association with death, timely consulting a Psycho-oncologist helps reduce fear and anxiety, supports emotional resilience, and promotes holistic healing (not only treatment-oriented).

What are the benefits of Psycho-oncology care?

Based on clinical experience, patients accept their diagnosis better with minimal denial. Patients also cope effectively with their illness, thus becoming more engaged in their treatment. Their psychological readiness leads to better treatment outcomes, with fewer side effects compared to highly anxious patients. 

In addition, patients begin to take responsibility for their role in recovery. They participate willingly in treatment. Most importantly, patients focus on their self-care (mindset, emotional well-being, hydration, etc).

Post-sessions outcomes (without breaching confidentiality)

Initially, patients tend to resist. They say, “We are not crazy; we don’t need counselling.”

After sessions, as misconceptions regarding the therapy process are resolved,

treatment outcomes improve, and patients voluntarily return for support.

Some of the observed improvements are

1. Better coping in surgical patients.

2. Reduced anxiety around procedures like biopsies.

3. Smoother overall treatment experience.

Is a Psycho-oncologist part of standard treatment, or is that optional?

In a multidisciplinary team setup, psycho-oncologists are included as part of care.

However, it is not feasible to see every patient individually due to large patient volumes.

Access is usually through doctor referrals and patient choice (opt-in basis).

To conclude with an important insight:

Around 50% of treatment effectiveness depends on the patient’s psychological

state and cooperation. Therefore, even when a cure is not possible,

The quality of life and well-being can still be improved significantly.