Psychosocial intervention with cancer patients: a review

It is well established that a diagnosis of cancer and the subsequent treatment can cause a great deal of stress, and the need for psychosocial support is increasingly being advocated. The data for the efficacy of intervention programmes are reviewed. The evidence relating to the benefits gained by patients is equivocal. The indication is that a selective rather than a blanket service is needed, with the target for intervention being patients at high risk for psychological morbidity. The advantages of one type of support over another remain unproven.