[The organization of psycho-oncology]

Many specialists are acting for psychological support: oncologists, psychologists, psychiatrists. Their respective role and the necessary good adjustment between actors are discussed. Quantitative requirements depends on number of patients and dispersion of medical units. The insufficient number of oncological staff cannot be compensated by the psycho-oncological team whose action is complementary of the technical staff support. The psycho-oncological team may be integrated in the oncology unit or autonomous. A network organisation is still uncommon. The intervention of external units of psychiatry, not specialised in oncology, is a less satisfying solution. Actually, 25% of the 94 French centres have neither psychiatrist nor psychologist. The same investigation has shown that 20% of patients request a consultation with a psychiatrist or a psychologist, but only half of them obtain it. There is also a need of formation as well for psychiatrists and psychologists as for oncologists. All that is necessary to satisfy the demand of support of patients and of their family.