Symptom control in psychosocial oncology

A major thrust in psychosocial oncology has been to use psychosocial and behavioral techniques to prevent and manage the adverse symptoms associated with cancer and its treatment. This article defines the field of symptom management in psychosocial oncology and reviews its early and recent history. Recent progress in the field is reviewed, with a focus on several thematic advances in theory and practice. Finally, an agenda is suggested for the next decade of research, with attention given to research needs, research policy, and training issues.