Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026

Therapeutic Massage for Psychological Well-being in Geriatric Oncology
Published on: May 22, 2026
[Psycho-oncology - psychosocial oncology: integration in a concept of oncological treatment]
1Univ.-Klinik für Biologische Psychiatrie, C/L-Vernetzungsbereich, Medizinische Universität, Innsbruck, Österreich. barbara.sperner-unterweger@i-med.ac.at
Abstract:
Psycho-oncology is defined by psychosocial aspects of prevention, etiology, diagnostics, treatment, and rehabilitation of cancer. It is characterized by interdisciplinary medicine, as well as cooperation between medical and nonmedical professionals. Psychosocial distress and/or psychiatric disorders are manifested in 30-60% of cancer patients. The primary target of psycho-oncological management is to retain and ideally optimize the subjective quality of life of cancer patients. It is important to understand that psycho-oncological care is part of an integrative oncological patient management. Basic psycho-oncological management is usually provided by the primary oncologist, whereas more specific psycho-oncological measures call for specially trained psychiatric/psychotherapeutic staff. Psycho-oncological interventions include psychological/psychotherapeutic, as well as psychopharmacologic interventions.
Related Concept Videos
Psychotherapy
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Treatment Resistant Cancers
Psychodynamic Therapy