The significance of psycho-oncology for urology

Abstract

National and international guidelines and certification criteria for comprehensive cancer centres require the psycho-oncological co-treatment of distressed cancer patients. Of course, this also applies to the field of uro-oncology. The individual need for psychosocial support should be systematically evaluated by "distress screening" procedures. While in general about 30 % of all cancer patients are considered severely distressed, this rate seems to be lower (about 20 %) in prostate cancer patients, the largest uro-oncological entity. Many patients find it difficult to accept psychotherapeutic support, which leads to high levels of rejection - even in distressed patients. This is especially true for urological patients, the majority of whom are older men. These persons generally find it difficult to perceive their own emotions, to communicate, and to make use of psychological support. Therefore, urologists must have a high level of communication skills in this context.