Psycho-oncology care in cancer patients

With the increase of cancer incidence, prolonged survival, and arising awareness about the importance of mental wellbeing, psycho-oncologycare presents an important part of comprehensive cancerpatient treatment. The Department of Psycho-Oncology at the Institute of Oncology Ljubljana was established in 1984 to providepsycho-oncology care to patients and their relatives. Behavioural cognitive therapy and supportive therapy are the most common therapeutic modalities used in individual and group treatment of cancer patients. Nevertheless, timely recognition of psychological distress and the availability of psycho-oncology treatment remain a challenge.