CHENNAI: Concern for the physical well-being of a cancer patient often overshadows their emotional and psychological needs. A multi-modal approach is necessary for the overall treatment of patients. However, currently in India, only a fraction of them get the required help.In a prevalence study of 3,000 patients, conducted by the Centre of Psycho-oncology for Education and Research (COPER), it was found that 40 per cent suffered severe psychological distress and 52 per cent suffered mild to moderate distress. Translated into numbers, out of the 15 lakh cancer patients in the country, 11 lakh require the assistance of a qualified psycho-oncologist. The problem here is that the field has been largely ignored or not considered important so far.To address this need, the College of Oncological Studies, Cancer Institute (WIA), has launched an M Phil course in Psycho-oncology, affiliated to the University of Madras. It is the first of its kind in India, and only the second institute after COPER to dedicate a course to the subject. Speaking at the inaugural function, Dr Brindha Sitaram, Director of COPER, said, “The climate in India is good for the development of psycho-oncology at the moment. Cancer treatment has now shifted from longevity to quality of life.”Dr Brindha also said that there is a long road ahead for the Cancer Institute. “Passion, perseverance, and patience are required of those taking up this course,” she said.Cancer has moved from being a disease of karma, an incurable malady, to being a disease which can be cured and even prevented. Dr Shanta, Chairperson of Cancer Institute (WIA) said that despite this, fear continues due to a lack of awareness. “Psycho-oncology is now an accepted sub-speciality of oncology. The backlash of emotional stress reflects on the treatment and health of the patient. No two patients react the same way to treatment. This means that individualised psychological treatment has to be given.”Dr Shanta reiterated that the palliative care period (specialised area of healthcare that focuses on relieving and preventing the suffering of patients) should be called ‘aggressive supportive care’. “This is to alleviate the stress on family and give them hope till the end,” she said. Quoting Armand Trousseau, who said that medicine is both an art and a science, she said that psycho-oncology is the link between the two.Professor D Thiruvasagam, Vice-Chancellor of Madras University, said that he was glad to give the recognition to Cancer Institute for the M Phil course. “I feel that it is fulfilling one of the points in the charter of the University, as listed by the founders – to provide socially relevant education to the community,” he said. Others present were Dr T G Sagar, Director of Cancer Institute and Dr E Vidhubala, Assistant Professor and Head, Department of Psycho-oncology, Cancer Institute.In relation to the inauguration of the course, the Institute also held a one-day workshop on Mind Matters in Cancer Care. Over 150 participants from all over India attended the workshop.
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