title: Psycho-oncology and the role of the psychiatrist in cancer patient care.
abstract: Cancer and its treatment lead to emotional distress for most patients and their families, and to psychiatric illness for some. Psychiatrists can contribute to the prevention, recognition and treatment of these problems. Educational and supportive group work, for both patients and staff, complements the assessment and management of individually referred cases. Psychiatrists in this setting require a good understanding of medical matters, and good working relationships with colleagues both in cancer services and mental health services. The nature of the clinical work will be illustrated by case vignettes.
authors.affiliation: Consultant in Psychological Medicine, Oxford Radcliffe NHS Trust.
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Barraclough
keywords: neoplasms; psychiatry; psychology