Chapter 40 - Psychological issues of cancer survivors

Summary

This chapter focuses on the emotional needs of cancer patients and others for whom fertility preservation is an option, as well as the implications for cancer care providers. It discusses how to recognize psychosocial distress and the type of communication skills that are necessary when counseling patients. The chapter describes the ethical implications of fertility preservation techniques and provides resources for the healthcare provider. Information empowers patients to ask pertinent questions and avoid emotional distress by providing options and realistic expectations. The prevalence rate of clinically significant emotional distress in cancer outpatients varies considerably from study to study. The investigators recommend that the cancer team assess psychological risk by collecting information about the women's histories. Psychologists or other mental health providers should be included in a team approach to fertility preservation. Mental health providers can counsel patients about the complex decisions they are facing when considering fertility preservation.