The Psycho-oncology program of the Psychiatry Department offers psychological and psychiatric care to people with cancer. This disease impacts cognitive, emotional, and behavioral areas, affecting quality of life from diagnosis, during treatment, and even afterwards.

Emotional reactions after diagnosis are normal and help in coping with the disease, but if they become intense or prolonged they can lead to depressive disorders or anxiety that require specialized care.

Psycho-oncology focuses on supporting the emotional responses of patients, families, and caregivers, and on improving psychological and social factors that influence both survival and quality of life. In addition, it helps manage side effects of treatment and problems related to fertility, body image, and personal relationships.

Many people experience persistent psychological distress that affects their daily life, so mental health support is essential during and after treatment.

The Psycho-oncology program of the Psychiatry Department provides psychological and psychiatric care to those who need it. Cancer is a serious and complex disease that deeply impacts a person’s life, affecting cognitive, emotional, and behavioral aspects. Psychological, family, work, and social effects begin at diagnosis and can persist long after treatment ends, negatively influencing quality of life and recovery.

Emotional reactions after a cancer diagnosis are normal and part of a natural adaptive process that helps patients cope with the situation. These reactions fluctuate and are usually healthy, helping with self-care and treatment adherence. However, if emotional responses become intense, prolonged, or interfere with self-care, conditions such as depression or anxiety may arise, requiring specialized psychological or psychiatric intervention.

Psycho-oncology focuses on two main areas: supporting the emotional response of patients, families, and caregivers; and addressing psychological, behavioral, and social factors that affect survival and quality of life. According to the National Health System Cancer Strategy, care aims at comprehensive psychological adaptation, physical rehabilitation, and social and work reintegration.

Patients often seek mental health support due to side effects of treatment, concerns about fertility, body image, genetic testing, and impacts on relationships and careers. Side effects such as hair loss, premature menopause, neuropathy, lymphedema, insomnia, irritability, depression, and concentration problems can reduce quality of life. Psychological distress often continues after treatment, with increased feelings of vulnerability and uncertainty, benefiting from mental health care when acute psychopathology occurs.