MACO - Medical Affairs and Community Oncology

What is psychosocial oncology?

Psychosocial oncology is a professional sub-specialty in oncology. The domain of psychosocial oncology includes the formal study, understanding and treatment of the social, psychological, emotional, spiritual, quality of life, and functional aspects of cancer as applied across the cancer trajectory from prevention through bereavement. It seeks to develop and integrate new knowledge and techniques of the psychosocial and biomedical sciences as they relate to cancer care.

The Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology establishes National Psychosocial Oncology Standards for Canada, which are available for viewing over the Internet by clicking here.

Psychosocial oncology care in the Community Cancer Network
The literature consistently indicates that 35-45% of people diagnosed with cancer will experience significant distress at some point during their cancer journey. Many would benefit from specialized psychosocial oncology care, in to addition the support they receive from primary health care service providers, such as physicians and nurses, and peer support services provided through the Canadian Cancer Society.

At tertiary cancer centres -- the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, and the Tom Baker Cancer Centre in Calgary -- cancer patients, their families, and multi-disciplinary oncology treatment teams access on-site psychosocial services provided by dedicated psychosocial professionals from many disciplines. These psychologists, social workers, resource counselors, art therapists, chaplains, psychiatrists, and research associates provide individual and family counseling, group programs and education supports, and research and teaching. Click here for more information on programs and services available at the Cross Cancer Institute and Tom Baker Cancer Centre

At the ACB's Associate Cancer Centres - Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Central Alberta (Red Deer), and Grande Prairie - patients, families and the oncology team benefit from psychosocial oncology services provided by on-site social workers.

In seven of the ACB's 11 community cancer centres, social workers and psychologists from the Health Regions work with community cancer centre staff to address the psychosocial needs of patients and families who are receiving cancer treatments "close to home."

Psychosocial oncology care in Alberta
Current activities of the Psychocial Oncology Network
Psychosocial oncology resources