Some Aspects of Psychocorrection in Oncology

Abstract

Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally; it accounted for 9.6 million deaths worldwide in 2018 (around 15% of all deaths). Of all deaths, 1 in 4 cases is attributable to different forms of oncological diseases [1]. Meanwhile the number of survivors continues to grow, not just because of earlier detection and treatment, but also because of revolutionary new therapies. About 9 million Americans of all ages are living with a current or past diagnosis of cancer; in 2007-13 five-year survival rates for all cancers increased to 67%. For many individuals, this changes the landscape from a terminal illness to more of a chronic illness with periods of remission and exacerbation of symptoms. This perspective on neoplasms has broadened the scope of care from treating the disease alone to managing cancerrelated symptoms at different stages of the disease trajectory including mental disorders. According to Holland, Alici, and Massie the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in cancer patients is over 50% [2, 3].