Dados do Resumo

Título

Psycho-oncology and Integrative and Complementary Practices: synergy in comprehensive care for cancer patients

Introdução

Psycho-oncology (PO) works in the psychological care of individuals facing cancer, addressing emotional, social and psychological aspects involved in the experience of the disease. It recognizes that the diagnosis and treatment of cancer can cause intense emotional distress, anxiety, depression and changes in behavior and family relationships, requiring a broad and interdisciplinary approach to care not only for the body, but also for the mind.

Objetivo

To verify the possible aspects of synergy between psycho-oncology (PO) and integrative and complementary practices (ICP) in the comprehensive care of cancer patients.

Métodos

Literature review through the PubMed electronic database, carried out in September 2024, using the Medical Subject Headings (MESH): “Psycho-oncology” and “Complementary Therapies”.

Resultados

We found 8 articles published up to September 2024, the first of which was from 2019. Of the total, we can highlight 1 Randomized Controlled Trial, 3 review articles and 1 case report of a pilot program, on advances in supportive cancer care through collaboration between psycho-oncology and integrative medicine. The articles report on the use and beneficial effects of psycho-oncological interventions associated with ICPs, such as hypnosis, yoga, acupuncture, mindfulness, music therapy, art therapy and spirituality support therapies. The articles describe that PO works with emotional and psychological support to help patients deal with the challenges of cancer, and when this approach is associated with ICP, it is possible to see greater relief from physical symptoms, a reduction in the side effects of conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and an improvement in patients’ quality of life.

Conclusões

The relationship between the OP and the ICPs is centered on comprehensive patient care. They recognize that the human being is an interconnected set of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual aspects, and that cancer treatment must take all these factors into account in order to be effective. OP and ICPs have proven to be areas of great synergy in cancer treatment, focusing on the integral well-being of cancer patients.

Palavras Chave

Psycho-Oncology; Complementary Therapies; quality of life