Psycho-oncology as a recognized discipline has existed no more than 25 years and has been marginalized for a long time; it is still only a small, emerging field of patient care. Yet, the psychological toll of cancer remains great, and the need to reduce distress and support well-being is unchanged. Our society?s prevailing attitude is still that cancer is feared beyond all other diseases; this adds to the burden of the patient and his/her family and friends. Hopefully, psycho-oncology will justly join the oncological team as a full-fledged member, involved in quality of life, symptom control and palliative care.
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