Symptom control in psychosocial oncology

Area of Science:

• Psychosocial oncology
• Behavioral science
• Symptom management

Background:

• Psychosocial and behavioral techniques are crucial for managing cancer-related symptoms.
• The field of psychosocial oncology focuses on these symptom management strategies.
• Understanding the history and progress is key to advancing patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• Define symptom management within psychosocial oncology.
• Review the historical development and recent advancements in the field.
• Propose a future research agenda for psychosocial oncology symptom management.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of early and recent history.
• Thematic analysis of theoretical and practical advances.
• Identification of research needs, policy, and training issues.

Main Results:

• Symptom management is a central focus in psychosocial oncology.
• The field has evolved with significant theoretical and practical progress.
• Key areas for future research, policy, and training have been identified.

Conclusions:

• Psychosocial oncology symptom management is a dynamic and evolving field.
• Continued research is essential to address the complex needs of cancer patients.
• A forward-looking agenda is proposed to guide future endeavors in the field.