Cancer is extremely common and in many situations a truly frightening disease, but the psychological aspects and effects have frequently been ignored. Patrice Guex reviews current thinking on the subject of possible psychosomatic causes of cancer, on the emotional or psychological reactions that it provokes, and on the medical treatment available. Illustrated with 11 case histories, this work aims to deal with the reactions of cancer patients to their illness, and the ways in which they can be helped in the hospital setting, at the same time having regard for their human dignity. In the context of a multidisciplinary approach that takes account of medical treatments as well as psychological interventions, the author suggests better ways of communicating in order to provide a therapeutic partnership between carer and client. Every aspect of cancer care, including pain relief, psycho-pharmology and complementary medicine, is considered, paying special attention to the needs of terminal patients and their carers.

Translated by:
Heather Goodare