Cancer Care for the Whole Patient

Cancer care today often provides state-of-the-science biomedical treatment, but fails to address the psychological and social (psychosocial) problems associated with the illness. This failure can compromise the effectiveness of health care and thereby adversely affect the health of cancer patients. Psychological and social problems created or exacerbated by cancer—including depression and other emotional problems; lack of information or skills needed to manage the illness; lack of transportation or other resources; and disruptions in work, school, and family life—cause additional suffering, weaken adherence to prescribed treatments, and threaten patients' return to health.Today, it is not possible to deliver high-quality cancer care without using existing approaches, tools, and resources to address patients' psychosocial health needs. All patients with cancer and their families should expect and receive cancer care that ensures the provision of appropriate psychosocial health services.Cancer Care for the Whole Patient recommends actions that oncology providers, health policy makers, educators, health insurers, health planners, researchers and research sponsors, and consumer advocates should undertake to ensure that this standard is met.Table of ContentsFront MatterSummary1 The Psychosocial Needs of Cancer Patients2 Consequences of Unmet Psychosocial Needs3 Psychosocial Health Services4 A Model for Delivering Psychosocial Health Services5 Implementing the Standard of Care6 Public- and Private-Sector Policy Support7 Preparing the Workforce8 A Research AgendaAppendix A: Committee Member BiographiesAppendix B: Study MethodsAppendix C: Recommendations from Prior Selected ReportsIndex