Developments in Psycho-Oncology and Cognitive Behavior Therapy in Cancer

Psycho-oncology is a relatively new scientific discipline which combines the study of the biological and psychological aspects associated with cancer. Factors which have influenced the development of interest in this field are discussed. One area of investigation in psycho-oncology has focused on identifying a possible relationship between psychosocial factors and the etiology or progress of cancer. To date, the evidence for such a relationship is contradictory, and methodological problems abound. We are seeking to shed some further light on this area by conducting a carefully controlled psychological intervention study with metastatic breast cancer patients (in progress). A description of the trial and treatment program is provided.