Delivering high-quality cancer care must include addressing patients' emotional and social needs, according to an October 2007 report by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). The study, "Cancer Care for the Whole Patient: Meeting Psychosocial Health Needs," recommends specific actions that health-care providers should take to meet these requirements. Psychosocial care includes focusing on a patient's psychological and social needs. Cancer.Net talked with Diane Blum, MSW, a member of the IOM panel that developed the report, to learn more about the findings and what it means for people with cancer.

Q. What are some common emotional, social, and practical needs of people with cancer and their families?

A: A cancer diagnosis predictably creates emotional stress for the person who is the patient and those who care about him or her. A sense of helplessness and feelings of being overwhelmed are common at first. Many people also have concerns about financial issues, including health-care costs and out-of-pocket expenses, such as transportation. Work issues, communication with the health-care team, and changing family roles are also frequent worries.

Q. What are the key findings and recommendations from the report?

A: The IOM report, "Cancer Care for the Whole Patient: Meeting Psychosocial Health Needs," puts forth a new standard for cancer care — one that makes clear the need to address psychosocial care as a part of cancer care — and a strategy for achieving this standard. It says that doctors and other members of the health-care team should regularly assess patient's emotional and social needs, and then ensure that the patient is linked to appropriate resources. The report explains that there are many high-quality resources for people with cancer that are either low-cost or free, and that patients should utilize them to meet their needs.

Q. How can these recommendations help patients?

A: These recommendations can help patients by identifying obstacles that stand in the way of them getting the best possible treatment. Emotional concerns, financial problems, and family stress can all interfere with the ability of the patient to participate fully in treatment. The report tells patients that they should expect satisfying communication with their health-care team, and have a relationship with a health-care professional who links them to the information and support that they need.

Q. What support services are usually available to patients, and how can they learn about and benefit from them?

A: Many people are treated in communities where psychosocial support is not available in the medical setting. However, national organizations such as CancerCare and the American Cancer Society, along with the American Society of Clinical Oncology's (ASCO) patient website, www.Cancer.Net, provide direct resources and support links to other organizations that provide help. Some support services may be close to where the patient lives, or some may be available by phone or online. Support services may provide information, offer counseling and educational programs, and help with practical problems.

Q. How can patients approach a conversation with their doctor or health-care team member about their emotional and social needs, and the services that may be helpful?

A: Patients should tell their doctor or nurse that they have specific concerns and need several minutes to address them with him or her. It often helps to write down questions and have someone with you when you meet with the doctor.

Q. What questions should patients ask their doctors about their needs and the services available?

A: Patients should ask who they may talk with to help them with concerns, such as insurance, emotional and physical matters, such as relationships and cancer and caregiving, and access to treatment. Cancer.Net offers guidance on a variety of issues in the Coping section.

Ms. Blum is a member of the IOM Committee on Psychosocial Services to Cancer Patients/Families in a Community Setting, and is Executive Director of CancerCare, Inc. She also serves as Editor-in-Chief of Cancer.Net.

Additional Resources

Read the executive summary of "Cancer Care for the Whole Patient: Meeting Psychosocial Health Needs."

American Cancer Society

CancerCare

More Information

Caring for the Whole Patient

Financial Resources

Telephone and E-mail Cancer Helplines

The Benefits of Counseling

When the Doctor Says Cancer