Behavioral Oncology Program

Emotional and psychological care

Louisville Oncology’s Behavioral Oncology Program is designed to provide supportive, emotional and psychological care for cancer patients and their families. Professional counseling is provided by a nurse practitioner who specializes in the care of cancer patients. Through interactions with the counselor, patients learn coping techniques to guide them through their challenge with cancer. In conjunction with the care provided by the medical oncologists, the Behavioral Oncology Program strives to alleviate cancer-associated distress.

Living with a cancer diagnosis is a challenging and stressful experience. It is important to be mindful of the stress you are experiencing, and be open to seeking help for your stress. Some signs you may need assistance coping with more serious distress include:

• Feeling overwhelmed to the point of panic
• Feeling so sad you cannot go through treatment
• Increased irritability and anger
• Inability to cope with pain, fatigue or nausea
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, uselessness, hopelessness or helplessness
• Constant thoughts of cancer and/or death
• Loss of enjoyment in activities 

Source: National Comprehensive Cancer Network & American Cancer Society “Distress Treatment Guidelines for Patient,” July 2005

If you or someone you know is coping with cancer and would like to know more about cancer-associated distress and professional counseling, ask your physician about the Behavioral Oncology Program at Louisville Oncology.

For more information about coping with cancer, call (502) 629-COPE (2673).