Psychosocial needs of patients with cancer in the primary care setting.
The diagnosis of cancer exacts an emotional toll on patients and their family members, necessitating attention to psychosocial factors by primary care providers. This article describes the usual course of emotional reactions to cancer, high-risk times for emotional vulnerability, and the role of the primary care provider in assessment, treatment, and referral. Additionally, the unique challenges of cancer survivorship are described, along with resources for patients seeking additional information about medical and psychosocial issues.
Psychiatric Medicine and Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Box 334, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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D001601:Bereavement; D001634:Bibliographies as Topic; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy; D004181:Directories as Topic; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D000092864:Suicide Prevention