Consejo genético oncológico: las aplicaciones de la Psicooncología

Abstract

This paper provides a historical perspective of psycho-oncology, with emphasis on the role of the psycho-oncologist in cancer genetic counselling and events that influenced the formation of this multidisciplinary team in western Mexico. The activities that are performed in psycho-oncology are also described, including management of emotional state, the promotion of social support, as well as communication and decision making, and health promotion. The importance of assessing the psychosocial variables that may be involved in Mexican patients to generate effective interventions to improve their quality of life is highlighted.