|
Mental Health / Psycho-Oncology
Improving quality of life for cancer patients and their families at all stages of illness.
Psycho-oncology focuses on helping individuals
and families cope with many aspects of cancer, including:
• Social
factors
• Psychological factors
• Emotional factors
• Spiritual factors
• Quality-of-life factors
• Functional considerations from prevention to bereavement
Coping with the Distress of Cancer
From the minute you receive the diagnosis, through treatment, and even beyond into survivorship, life with cancer is not easy. There is a lot to think about, including the initial medical tests, and the negative side effects of chemotherapy and radiation during the treatment phase.
For many people, even moving forward from treatment can be difficult with fears of recurrence and trying to return to “life as normal.” Some patients with cancer may also need to examine issues of mortality.
Many patients and their family members find it beneficial to have a professional available to talk with and help them develop strategies to improve their ability to cope during this difficult time.
Seeing a mental health provider is not a sign of weakness, but instead means that you are rallying the support you need to cope with a difficult situation for which no other experience in your life has prepared you.
Psycho-oncology Providers
Sarah Moore, MD
Dr. Moore dedicates her work to patients and families affected by cancer. She
believes every client is unique and takes a patient-centered and holistic
approach to healing.
Janice
Cain, PhD
Dr. Cain has many years of experience in providing individual,
family and group therapy to patients with cancer. She has a
strong belief in making sure all patients and their families
have a good quality of life and are able to take control of
what they can.
To make an appointment please talk to your oncology provider, or contact:
Dean Hematology & Oncology Clinic
Sauk Trails Plaza,
1200 John Q. Hammons Dr., Suite 400
Madison WI 53717
Phone: (608) 410-2700
Dean Psycho-oncology Services
Support Groups
Breast Cancer Stress Management and Relaxation Training (B-SMART)
This group is for women with breast cancer in various stages
of disease and treatment, ranging from the initial
diagnosis through chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and several years
after surgery. Come learn stress management strategies and
get support from others who are going through a similar experience
with breast cancer.
Taking Control Group
This support group is for patients with all types of cancer
and their family members. Come learn coping skills that will
help
you have a good quality of life during this difficult time.
Individual
and Family Therapy
Individual and family therapy can be very beneficial for
cancer patients and/or their families. Therapists can help
with many
issues related to cancer, including:
• Relaxation strategies
• Coping with fear and anxiety
• Depression
• Pain management
• Nausea/vomiting
• Difficulty in sleeping
• Body image issues
• Sexual changes
• Talking to family/children about your cancer
• Managing anger regarding cancer
• Fear of recurrence
• End-of-life issues
• Stress management
• Transitioning out of cancer treatment (survivorship)
• Smoking cessation
Psychiatric Assessment and Intervention
This assessment is offered by a Dean psychiatrist who focuses on psychiatric issues in people with cancer. She helps patients improve their quality of life while coping with their cancer and symptoms such as anxiety, sadness, and sleeplessness. She is also knowledgeable in the management of medications for mental health and possible drug interactions.
Social Work
Dean's social worker connects cancer patients and their families to the appropriate community resources. This includes assisting them with social concerns surrounding their diagnosis, such as emotional adjustment to illness and treatment, connection with financial assistance, transportation concerns, and education on other available community resources.
lead to an external site |