Pain is a common and crippling problem among the cancer patients (Hager & Brockopp, 2007, p. 3). A study conducted in the US showed that 25 percent of the newly diagnosed patients experienced pain, and this figure increased to over 90 percent of patients with advanced cancer. The study also established that many patients kept on experiencing pain even after effective treatment of cancer (American Pain Society, 2008, P.4). Pain in cancer patients has multi-dimensions; these are biological dimension, social dimension and psychological dimension. Social and psychological dimensions are normally witnessed at the advanced stage of cancer (Turk & Okifuji, 2002, p. 690).
Surgical and therapeutic approaches are considered to be the foundation of cancer treatment. Even though these approaches have proved to be useful, they also have their limitation. First of all, a number of patients experience irrepressible side effects limiting their ability to take medication. These approaches are also expensive and not as effective as one can think (Hager & Brockopp, 2007, p.6). Psychological interventions represent a value addition to the above approaches. Medical studies have found a strong correlation between cancer pain and psychological factors. Greater psychological well-being enhances self confidence and self efficacy in controlling pain among cancer patients. Psychological interventions are also effective in treating pain related to other diseases like arthritis (Turk & Okifuji, 2002, p. 692; Deandrea, 2008, p.1985). Depression with suicidal ideation is a life threatening condition. Even if the patient did not have suicidal thoughts, but tries to tolerate pain being depressed, then, the process is less effective because person has less energy to invest in physical fitness or other therapeutically significant aspects, and is likely not to comply with medication (Disorbio, Bruns & Barolat, 2006, 3).
Hillman Cancer Center is one of the leading facilities of cancer treatment and research located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This center is considered to be a home to the world finest surgical, medical and radiation oncology specialists. The centre also boosts of advanced imaging technologies to identify and screen cancer. In addition, Hillman Cancer Center provides a wide range of service beyond clinical care, and it includes guidance and counseling, nutrition and genetic resources. These services are meant to help patients and their families to cope with cancer better (Hillman Cancer Centre, 2010, p. 2).
Psychological interventions for cancer patients in Hillman Cancer centre is carried out by clinical psychologists. Most of the clinical psychologists working in this centre holds doctoral degree in psychology and have huge experience as independent practitioners. However, there are a few of them with master’s degree but are pursuing Ph.D. The roles of clinical psychologists in this centre are mainly psychological assessment and psychotherapy. They also engage in psychological studies, counseling, teaching, development and administration of programs, and forensic testimony (Hillman Cancer Centre, 2010, p. 4; Disorbio, Bruns & Barolat, 2006, p.5).
Pain in cancer patients has multi-dimensions; these are biological, social and psychological dimensions. Medical and surgical approaches are considered to be the main ways for pain treatment in cancer patients. Advanced stages of cancer result into a multidimensional pain and are where the clinical psychologists step in. Hillman Cancer Center boosts of world class physicians and clinical psychologists. These psychologists play a significant role in the assessment and treatment of pain. Psychological approaches act as valuable addition to the medical and surgical approaches.
References
American Pain Society, (2008). Principles of analgesic use in the treatment of acute pain and cancer pain (6th ed). Glenview, IL: American Pain Society.
Deandrea, S., Montanari, M., Moja, L., & Apolone, G. (2008). Prevalence of under treatment in cancer pain. A review of published literature. Ann Oncology, 19(12), 1985-1991.
Disorbio, J.M., Bruns, D., & Barolat, G. (2006). Assessment and Treatment of Chronic Pain. Minneapolis: PPM communications Inc.
Hager, K.K., & Brockopp, D. (2007). Pilot project: the chronic pain diary – assessing chronic pain in the nursing home population. Journal Gerontology Nursing, 22, 14–19.
Hillman Cancer Centre. (2010). Hillman Cancer Center Brochure: University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Web.
Turk, D.C., & Okifuji, A. (2002). Psychological factors in chronic pain: evolution and revolution. Journal clinical Psychology, 70, 678–690.