Revista de Psicooncología. Investigación y Clínica Biopsicosocial en Oncología (ISSN 1696-7240, ISSN-e 1988-8287) publishes theoretical, experimental and clinical work on psychological, social and ethical aspects relating to cancer and palliative care patients for all disciplines involved in their care. The journal focuses above all on the psychological condition and psychological responses of patients to all phases and stages of cancer, as well as for their families and carers; psychological and social factors that are decisive in prevention or that influence the cancer process; information and communication for patients with cancer and in palliative care; and improvements in the areas of teamwork, the prevention of burnout and declining empathy in healthcare professionals.
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Development and Validation of a Brief Cancer Acceptance Scale in Patients with Sarcoma
Objective: To develop and examine the psychometric properties of a brief scale for assessing cancer acceptance in a sample of patients with sarcoma. Method: One hundred seven adult patients diagnosed with sarcoma completed the cancer acceptance scale along with measures of anxiety, depression, emotional distress, and health-related quality of life. Internal structure was tested with confirmatory factor analysis; internal consistency was estimated with Cronbach’s alpha and McDonald’s omega; convergent validity was examined via Spearman correlations with psychological adjustment variables. Results: The final version comprised 9 items and showed a unidimensional structure with excellent model fit (χ2(23) = 18.16; CFI = 0.992; TLI = 0.987; RMSEA = 0.036). Internal consistency was satisfactory (α = 0.85; ω = 0.83). Cancer acceptance correlated negatively with anxiety (ρ = -0.59) and depression (ρ = -0.61) and positively with global quality of life (ρ = 0.43). Conclusions: The brief Cancer Acceptance Scale demonstrates adequate reliability and convergent validity and may be a useful tool for clinical assessment and research in oncology populations.
Association between frailty measured by the 10-item Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment–based Frailty Index (FI-CGA-10) and quality of life in older men with cancer
Objective: To analyze the association between frailty and quality of life in older men with cancer, comparing frailty measured by the Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment–based 10-item Frailty Index (FI-CGA-10) and the Fried frailty phenotype. Method: An observational analytical cross-sectional study was conducted based on a secondary analysis of a database from the Naval Medical Center in Peru. Data from 891 older men (≥60 years) with a recent diagnosis of cancer undergoing curative treatment were analyzed. Quality of life was assessed using the WHOQoL-Old questionnaire, and frailty was evaluated using the FI-CGA-10 and the Fried phenotype. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals were estimated using Poisson regression with robust variance. Results: Frailty was significantly associated with a higher prevalence of poor quality of life. In the adjusted model, frailty according to the Fried phenotype showed an adjusted PR of 1.17 (95% CI: 1.10–1.20), while frailty according to the FI-CGA-10 showed an adjusted PR of 1.10 (95% CI: 1.10–1.20). Polypharmacy was also associated with a higher prevalence of poor quality of life. Conclusions: Frailty is associated with poorer quality of life in older adults with cancer. The systematic assessment of frailty using instruments such as the FI-CGA-10 or the Fried phenotype may contribute to improving comprehensive geriatric assessment and guiding clinical decision-making in oncogeriatric.
Anxiety and Depressive Symptomatology and Body Image After Risk-Reducing Mastectomy in Women with Increased Risk of Breast Cancer: A Longitudinal Study
Introduction: Risk-reducing mastectomy (RRM) is an effective preventive strategy for women at high risk of developing breast cancer, particularly those with BRCA1/2 mutations or a strong family history. However, the psychological consequences of this procedure, including anxiety, depressive symptomatology, and body image concerns, remain insufficiently explored in the long term. Objective: To analyze the levels and differences in anxiety, depressive symptomatology, and body image in women at increased risk of breast cancer assessed before surgery, shortly after surgery, and at long-term follow-up following risk-reducing mastectomy. Method: Fifty-five women at increased risk of breast cancer due to BRCA1/2 mutations or significant family history participated in this longitudinal study. Some participants had a previous breast cancer diagnosis. Anxiety and depressive symptomatology were assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and body image was measured with the Body Image Scale (BIS). Assessments were conducted 15–30 days before surgery, 15–30 days after surgery, and at long-term followup (mean = 5.24 years post-surgery). Results: A significant main effect of time was observed for anxiety and depressive symptomatology, with higher levels reported at long-term follow-up. Body image scores also worsened significantly over time, particularly at follow-up. No significant time × group interaction effects were found, suggesting similar trajectories across groups. Conclusions: These findings suggest a potential worsening in anxiety, depressive symptomatology, and body image over time following risk-reducing mastectomy, highlighting the importance of long-term psychological monitoring.
Mental health-related quality of life in caregivers of patients with acquired brain injury: the central role of depressive symptoms
Objective: To assess health-related quality of life and psychological symptoms in family caregivers of patients with severe chronic acquired brain injury, and to determine the independent contribution of prolonged grief to mental health-related quality of life beyond depressive and anxiety symptoms. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 50 primary family caregivers completed standardized measures of depression (BDI-II), anxiety (BAI), prolonged grief (PG-12), and healthrelated quality of life (SF-12). Associations between variables were analysed using Pearson correlations and hierarchical multiple linear regression. Results: Forty-eight percent of caregivers presented clinically significant depressive symptoms, 26% clinically significant anxiety symptoms, and 34% met criteria for prolonged grief. Mental health-related quality of life was markedly reduced (MCS = 39.86; SD = 10.08), whereas physical health-related quality of life remained within normative ranges (PCS = 51.21; SD = 8.52). Depressive symptoms, anxiety symptoms, and prolonged grief were negatively associated with mental health-related quality of life, with depression showing the strongest correlation (r = −0.709; p < 0.001). In the regression models, only depressive symptoms independently predicted mental health-related quality of life (β = −0.649; p < 0.001), explaining 52.5% of the variance (R² = 0.525), whereas anxiety and prolonged grief did not show independent effects. Conclusions: Caregivers experience high levels of psychological distress and significantly impaired mental health-related quality of life, with depressive symptoms representing the main factor associated with this impairment, highlighting the importance of their systematic detection and targeted intervention in long-term care settings for patients with severe acquired brain injury.
Psychological Inflexibility in Primary Caregivers of Patients at the End of Life
Objectives: The burden experienced by informal caregivers of patients at the end of life is a growing concern in palliative care. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between caregiver burden and psychological inflexibility in primary caregivers of patients receiving home-based palliative care in the CSSV PADES service (Barcelona). Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between February 2023 and February 2024 with 35 primary caregivers. Psychological inflexibility was assessed using the AAQ-II and CFQ, depressive symptoms with the PHQ-9, caregiver burden with the Zarit scale, patient dependency with the Barthel Index, emotional distress with DME, and symptom intensity with EDM. Descriptive statistics and Spearman correlations were performed. Results: Psychological inflexibility and cognitive fusion were significantly correlated with depressive symptoms (PHQ-9) and showed positive associations with caregiver burden (Zarit). No significant association was found between caregiver burden and patient emotional distress (DME). Higher psychological inflexibility was associated with greater perceived caregiver burden. Conclusions: Findings highlight the protective role of psychological flexibility in informal caregivers in palliative contexts. Interventions based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may help reduce emotional and physical burden. Future research should include longitudinal designs and larger samples to confirm causality and evaluate intervention effects.
Sexual unmet needs and psychosocial factors in Mexican breast cancer survivors
Background: Identifying specific problems of sexuality and determining their priority levels during Mexican breast cancer survivorship can provide culturally sensitive information. Aim: To describe the relationship between sexual unmet needs (SUN) and psychosocial factors in Mexican breast cancer survivors. Method: 249 survivors were invited to complete a Supportive Care Needs Survey - Module Breast Cancer (SCNS-MBC). The survey was administered in a face-to-face interview. Data analysis included a ranking of SUN and a network analysis. Results: The mean age was 52 years, had been survivors for more than 1 year, had a basic level of education, and half had a partner. Patients were diagnosed in clinical stages II and III and were undergoing at least three types of cancer treatments. The most frequently reported unmet needs were fear of cancer recurrence and coping with side effects, mainly fatigue. Only 20% reported moderate SUN. Network analysis identified three communities characterised by distinct profiles across SUN, psychosocial, sociodemographic, and clinical variables. Conclusions: SUN were confirmed as moderate just in younger individuals, with a partner, and survivors who are economically dependent on their partner, and have undergone surgery and hormone therapy.
Behavioral Activation in Women with Breast Cancer Experiencing Anxiety and Depression
Objective: To evaluate the effect of a Behavioral Activation Program on anxiety, depression, and behavioral activation levels in women with breast cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Method: A pre–post intervention study with a changing criterion design was conducted. Fifteen women with breast cancer (n = 15) were assessed before and after a structured Behavioral Activation Program. Results: The Wilcoxon signed-rank test showed significant differences between pre and posttreatment scores for anxiety (z = −3.409, p < 0.05), depression (z = −3.413, p < 0.05), and behavioral activation (z = −3.408, p < 0.05). Effect sizes (Cohen’s d) were large for anxiety (d = 1.02) and very large for depression (d = 1.44) and behavioral activation (d = 1.14). Conclusions: After intervention participants showed an increase in behavioral activation and reductions in anxiety and depression. Behavioral Activation appears to be a promising brief psychological option for women with breast cancer receiving radiotherapy. Future research should include larger and more diverse samples to confirm these findings.
Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Improving Quality of Life in Patients with Cancer: A Systematic Review
Introduction: Mindfulness-based interventions (MBI) are key strategies in psychooncology. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of MBIs on the quality of life (QoL) of cancer patients. Method: A systematic review (PRISMA) of 10 randomized clinical trials (2020-2025) was conducted, with quality assessed using Cochrane RoB 2.0. Results: In a sample of 1,007 participants, MBSR and MBCT protocols significantly improved global QoL. Significant benefits were found in functional (p=0.010) and physical well-being (p=0.003), with moderate-to-large effect sizes (d=0.42 to 1.09) in socio-emotional dimensions, sustainable up to 24 weeks. Conversely, virtual reality-based interventions showed no superiority over standard care (p=0.76). Conclusion: MBIs are effective for improving QoL in the cancer population, particularly in psycho-emotional aspects. Protocol standardization is recommended for clinical integration.
Impact of psychosocial support interventions for informal caregivers of palliative care patients: a systematic review
perience high psychosocial burden, including anxiety, depressive symptoms, and reduced quality of life. Although family support is a core component of palliative care, psychosocial interventions specifically targeting informal caregivers remain limited. Aim: To systematically review the impact of psychosocial support interventions delivered to informal caregivers of adult palliative care patients on emotional outcomes, caregiver burden, and quality of life, and to synthesize caregivers’ perceptions and experiences of the support received. Method: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020. Searches were performed in ProQuest, PubMed, Web of Science, and PubMed Central for studies published in English or Spanish between 2014 and 2024. Quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies evaluating psychosocial interventions for informal caregivers or providing them with structured access to psychosocial support were included. Results: Ten studies met inclusion criteria. Multicomponent interventions—particularly those addressing the patient–caregiver dyad or integrating caregivers into patient-centered programs—showed favorable effects on depressive symptoms, anxiety, caregiver burden, and/or quality of life. Caregivers reported emotional validation, improved coping strategies, and a sense of support. Remote delivery formats (telephone, online platforms) were feasible and acceptable. Conclusions: Psychosocial interventions that actively involve informal caregivers are associated with meaningful benefits and positive subjective experiences. Future research should prioritize methodologically robust designs and explicitly address grief and bereavement when relevant.
ESP A Two-step metasynthesis of thematic research on emotion regulation in cancer patients
Objective: To carry out a thematic metasynthesis (a type of qualitative meta-analysis) on the emotional regulation strategies used by cancer patients. Methods: In the first step, thirtysix themes from eighteen thematic studies on emotion regulation and cancer published in the last 25 years were selected and analyzed deductively; in a second step, higher-order themes were constructed through inductive thematic analysis. Results: most themes from the primary studies were coded as situation selection. The model of emotion regulation commonly used in quantitative research did not fully capture the complexity of patients’ experiences, so interpersonal themes were incorporated and organized into higher-order categories. Conclusions: thematic metasynthesis provides an organized overview of qualitative research and complements quantitative research on emotion regulation in psycho-oncology.
ntly difficult to grasp given the natural human tendency toward health and/or life. However, accepting reality as real appears to be a suitable strategy for navigating the processes of serious illness and end-of-life care. The models and paradigms that shape this approach are outlined, along with the perspectives on acceptance found in medical literature and within the palliative care setting. Through an attempt to delve deeper into the experience and concept of acceptance, its relationship to suffering is analyzed, and some ways to facilitate acceptance in these end-of-life processes are presented. Finally, the paper addresses the necessity and difficulty of accepting vulnerability, which is an intrinsic part of the human condition.
The Inclusion of Palliative Care Psychology in the Catalan Law on Comprehensive Pediatric Palliative Care
Recomendación de película: “Turno de guardia”. El personal sanitario amante de su trabajo y sobrecargado
Recomendación de película: “Tres adioses”. El amor y el desamor en la enfermedad
Reseña bibliográfica: la Reina y el Dragon
Miguel Costa Cabanillas (1946–2026): psicólogo de la salud y maestro de profesionales
Current status of telepsychology among psycho-oncologists in Spain
Objective: To explore the current situation of psycho-oncologists in Spain regarding the use of telepsychology. Method: An observational, descriptive, mixed-design study was conducted using an online survey adapted from González-Peña et al.(1) and administered to 33 professionals, mostly women aged 31 to 60, with an average of 14 years of experience. Data were analyzed using SPSS and ATLAS.ti using Grounded Theory. Results: A total of 69.7% reported using telepsychology, primarily as a complement to face-to-face care, with videoconferencing. Professionals valued its usefulness positively but expressed concerns about the digital divide, the quality of the therapeutic relationship, data protection, and the need for ongoing training. Conclusions: As in the literature, this study finds that telepsychology represents an effective tool for improving accessibility in oncology, and that professionals reflect a positive attitude toward it. However, its proper implementation requires institutional support, adequate technological resources, and ongoing training programs.
Effects of acceptance and commitment therapy on the perception of the impact on the family in the context of childhood cancer: A case study
Introduction. The impact that mothers face when a disease such as childhood cancer occurs has been demonstrated. The application of evidence- based interventions can contribute to the mental health of people in charge of caring for infants with cancer. Aim. The present work evaluates the effect of acceptance and commitment therapy on the perceived impact of the illness in a mother through a brief intervention program. Method. A single case study of type A-B-A was carried out, the participant is a mother of a child with Leukemia; The instruments included the Family Impact Module Questtionaire (PedsqL), the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II) and the Satisfaction with the Treatment Received Scale (CRES-4). Results. Through visual analysis and through Tau-U, it was evidence that the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy protocol has significant effects on the reduction of experiental avoidance and the perception of family impact. Through the analysis with the Tau-U test, a significant Omnibus average was identified in the perception of family impact (0.0495, p .05), as well as in the factors: social functioning (0.0175, p< .05), cognitive functioning (0.0336, p< .05) and daily activities (0.0087, p< .05). Conclusions. ACT has a stasistically relevant effect on the perception of family impact and on the factors that make it up, so it is considered to continue with lines of research that promote its use in health and vulnerabily context.
Characteristics of Stress and Experiences in the Relationship with Patients of Oncologists in Valledupar, Colombia
Introduction: This study addresses the stress of general practitioners and oncologists in a medium-sized city in Colombia. Its objectives were: 1) to describe the characteristics of stress among oncologists and 2) to analyze their experiences in the doctor-patient relationship. Method: An integrative design of methods was implemented. Data collection consisted of the Nowak Stress Profile to quantitatively measure stress and semi-structured interviews to delve deeper into the oncologists' experiences. Results: Physicians have psychological tools to maintain their mental health and that of their patients. The test results do not indicate significant or conclusive alarms; while the prescribed stress levels reflect exposure to stressful events, specialists diagnose them and take appropriate action. Protective emotional components, such as job satisfaction, are positively identified, while stressful components, such as bureaucratic procedures, impact their work and relationships with patients. Conclusion: Stress is a common symptom in oncology medical practice. Contrary to reports in the literature, this population does not experience extreme emotional crises. Risk factors are determined individually, indicating the need for ongoing monitoring and healthy mental health habits among these professionals.
The granting of wishes at a child’s end of life. Construction of meanings from the parents’ perspective. A qualitative study.
Introduction: Granting the wishes of an adolescent child in their final stages of life can be regarded as a valuable tool of care within Pediatric Palliative Care during the parents’ grieving process. This intervention helps to improve the child’s quality of life and provides a meaningful resource for families during their farewell. Aim: Exploring the parents’ perception of their deceased child’s wish-granted in the context of Pediatric Palliative Care. Methods: A qualitative study from Grounded Theory. Participants were parents of children whose wishes were granted by Fundación 38 Grados (Madrid) and whose children were already deceased at the time of the study. Data was analyzed via constant comparison method until identification of key concepts and the core category were reached. Results: Four main categories arise: 1) Wish-granting opens doors; 2) it positions the family; 3) Wanting to give back what they have received; 4) experiencing wish-granting.12 dimensions and a core category rose from those categories. Conclusions: Wish-granting has been an intense experience for parents, who look back on it positively and it drives them now to help others who have lost their children. This intervention has provided meaningful spaces for dialogue and farewell. Parents view the Wish as a legacy from their child, which is helping them to give back meaning to their loss.
AVANZACT: protocol and psychotherapeutic intervention in advanced cancer based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Objective: Individuals with advanced cancer present a higher risk of mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, and insomnia, which negatively impact their quality of life. Although psychotherapy has proven to be effective in addressing these issues, its application in this population presents challenges such as their low representation in studies, access barriers due to the particularities of their condition, and the lack of homogeneity in the psychotherapeutic procedures studied. It is essential to investigate psychotherapy specifically in the context of advanced cancer and to develop interventions that are replicable. Method: A narrative review of the literature on psychotherapeutic interventions in advanced cancer was conducted, with special attention to interventions based on contextual therapies. Based on this review, the AVANZACT intervention protocol is proposed, a psychotherapeutic program designed to be implemented in a group and online format. Results: The literature review highlights Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a promising approach due to its emphasis on the acceptance of suffering and on personal values, helping individuals to improve adjustment to illness through active coping focused on meaningful life areas. The AVANZACT protocol, described in detail for its implementation, can be carried out in a replicable way and allows for the evaluation of its applicability and efficacy. Conclusions: The implementation of AVANZACT in the field of Palliative Care could reduce barriers to accessing psychotherapy, providing a group experience that fosters mutual support and the empowerment of individuals with advanced cancer.
Early palliative psychological therapy based on the CALM model to improve quality of life and emotional health in patients with breast cancer. Analysis of quality of care: A mixed-methods study in Mexico
Objective: To evaluate the impact of an early palliative psychological intervention, based on the CALM model, on quality of life and emotional symptoms in recently diagnosed Mexican breast cancer patients, as well as to explore their perceptions regarding the quality of care received. Methods: A sequential explanatory mixed-methods study was conducted using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design. The sample comprised 10 women (5 in the experimental group and 5 in the control group) treated at a secondary-level hospital. Validated instruments were employed to assess quality of life (FACT-B), depression (BDI-II), and anxiety (BAI), in addition to baseline qualitative interviews. The experimental group received four individual psychotherapy sessions based on the CALM model over a three-month period. Quantitative data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, and Cohen’s d effect size. Qualitative data were examined through inductive thematic analysis. Results: The experimental group demonstrated improvements across all quality of life domains, with statistically significant changes observed in emotional well-being. In contrast, the control group exhibited an overall decline, with a significant reduction in functional well-being. Anxiety levels increased in the control group, whereas they decreased to minimal levels in the experimental group. Depressive symptoms remained stable in the experimental group but increased in the control group. Effect sizes were large in several domains. Qualitative findings revealed perceived deficiencies in the quality of care, particularly regarding emotional support. Conclusions: The early palliative psychological intervention based on the CALM model yielded positive effects on emotional health and perceived quality of life among participants.
Evaluation and Improvement of Palliative Care: a health technology to improve the quality of death and reduce hospital oncology expenses
Objectives: Palliative care is an approach that promotes the quality of life of patients and their families facing any life-threatening illness, regardless of diagnosis. To this end, it requires early identification, through assessment of status, performance and decision-making. In order to facilitate this process, this research aimed to develop a mobile mHealth application designed to assess prognosis and life expectancy, support decision-making about the transition to palliative care, and offer educational content on the subject. Method: A research project was conducted to develop a scientific and technological production. Through a multidisciplinary team, with periodic meetings, integrative literature reviews on the topic were initially carried out, as well as benchmarking to identify needs and establish the requirements for the design and redesign stages of the application interface. Results: An application was created that allows patient registration, completion of performance status assessment scales, monitoring of patient history, and obtaining information via a fixed platform and through interaction with a chatbot. Conclusions: The importance of a mobile application with features that are easy to use for healthcare professionals is considered, facilitating the effective monitoring of patient progress. This tool can contribute as an addition to the therapeutic process, being used by any professional category, assisting them in making decisions about the appropriate therapeutic approach for each patient in oncology.
Psychoemotional impact on siblings of pediatric cancer patients: A systematic review
Introduction: Childhood cancer profoundly affects the entire family dynamic, not only impacting the patient and parents but also siblings—whose experiences have historically been overlooked in both clinical practice and research. Objective: This study presents a systematic review focused on knowing the psychoemotional experiences of siblings aged 6 to 18 of pediatric oncology patients. Methods: Ten empirical studies published between 2014 and 2024 were analyzed, reviewing methodologies, psychological interventions, and main findings. Result: Results reveal that siblings face a wide range of emotional responses, disruptions in family and social dynamics, and a persistent need for clear information, inclusion, and emotional support. Conclusion: Despite growing awareness of their needs, targeted interventions remain limited. The systematic review underscores the importance of incorporating siblings into pediatric psycho-oncology care models through inclusive, preventive, and evidence-based approaches.
Analysis of referrals of cancer patients to a Psycho-Oncology
Objective: The study analyzed the referral process to psycho-oncology services for cancer patients, with three main objectives: 1) to examine referral patterns across departments, 2) to evaluate the use of emotional (VAS) and social (Gijón) screening scales, and 3) to describe the interventions provided. The study aimed to identify gaps between the psychosocial needs reported in the literature and actual clinical practice. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with 262 patients referred to the Psycho-Oncology Unit (UPSO) of a university hospital in 2022. Sociodemographic variables (age, sex, family situation), clinical variables (cancer type and stage), and referral-related variables (referring department and professional) were analyzed. The VAS (≥5) and Gijón (≥7) scales were used as screening criteria. Data were analyzed using STATA 18 with descriptive statistics. Results: Of the patients, 70% were women (mean age: 58 years), and 40% had breast cancer. Medical Oncology (66%) and the Breast Unit (20%) accounted for the majority of referrals, although only 1–1.5% of their consultations led to referrals. The VAS scale, applied in 49% of cases, detected distress in 68% of patients (≥5), while the Gijón scale, used in 67% of cases, identified only 11 cases (≥7). In 44% of cases, referrals did not adhere to standardized protocols. Of the referred patients, 92% received care (50% in a single session), with physicians initiating 81% of referrals. Conclusions: The study reveals underuse of validated screening tools, particularly the Gijón scale, variability in referral rates across departments, frequent reliance on non-standardized clinical criteria, and opportunities to improve screening through unified protocols and greater involvement of nursing staff. These findings highlight the need to enhance early detection of emotional distress in oncology settings.
Art and the therapeutic bond as a channel of communication. Art therapy and psycho-oncological co-intervention in an adolescent with cancer and end-of-life care
Objective: the reason for this choice is the clinical interest shown by this adolescent. The main objective is to describe the psycho-oncological intervention, the mission and functions of the figure of psycho-oncology, and, on the other hand, to describe the intervention carried out by the art therapist, the objectives and functions of art therapy in the hospital, oncological and paediatric settings and the co-intervention of these disciplines in the case of Sana. Method: presentation of Sana, psycho-oncological process: characteristics of the patient, diagnosis stage, treatment stage and hospitalisations, relapse stage, end-of-life stage, and description of the phases of the psycho-oncological intervention. Art-therapeutic process and co-intervention (art therapist and psycho-oncologist), showing the most representative works. Outcome: the psycho-oncological accompaniment with Sana and her family, favoured the correct adaptation of the adolescent, at the same time the established objectives were carried out and fulfilled. Through the experience built with Sana and the subsequent story, we have been able to approach what art therapy can be like and what it can contribute, in the paediatric oncological hospital setting. Conclusions: children with chronic illnesses are a population at high risk of suffering psychological problems. The comprehensive support offered by healthcare personnel to the family with a child with cancer can facilitate the functionality of each of its members. Art therapy work can be complementary to psychotherapeutic work in the hospital setting.
Psychoeducational intervention regarding parental roles in the process of cancer
Introduction: family involvement in the care of individuals with cancer is a central objective of oncology teams. Within this framework, supporting patients’ children is considered essential. In many cultures, including our own, children and adolescents are often overprotected from receiving distressing information, from exposure to illness and death, and, more broadly, from emotionally impactful experiences. This tendency may inadvertently undermine their right to autonomy and contribute to increased vulnerability within the family context. Methodology: a review was conducted of existing studies and psychoeducational support materials designed for parents with cancer and their minor children. This review is informed by clinical experience in applying these resources in practice. Intervention Proposal: To facilitate access to appropriate support, a set of general recommendations and four age-specific psychoeducational guides were developed. These materials are designed to be user-friendly and culturally adapted to the needs of our population. Discussion: Preventive interventions can mitigate the impact of risk factors associated with parental cancer and help foster resilience by strengthening protective factors. Providing written informational support in the form of a brochure for parents with cancer constitutes a preventive psycho-oncological strategy implemented at the Catalan Institute of Oncology.
Recomendación de película: Bon voyage, Marie. La vida es un viaje compartido
Recomendación de corto de cine: “Paris 70”. El regalo de un hijo cuidador.
En recuerdo de Ramón Bayés: unas notas para un editorial de Psicooncología