Psychosocial problems and interventions in a referred sample of cancer patients

Estimates of the psychosocial problems of cancer patients vary widely, depending on the nature of the assessment (e.g., psychologic testing, psychiatric interviews) and on the manner of assessment (prospective screening vs. retrospective chart reviews). This study examines the nature of psychosocial problems when these are referred by primary health care staff to a psychosocial service in a large outpatient cancer centre. Both problems and interventions were assessed for a 1-year period. These indicate a referral rate of approximately 20% of patients seen in the centre. The most frequent problem categories centered around family/significant others and personal concerns, whereas the most frequent interventions were educational, psychotherapy oriented (broadly conceived), and assessment oriented. There were differences in several problem and intervention categories on the basis of sex, age, and diagnosis. These data are discussed in terms of psychosocial assessment strategies for cancer patients.