Social Problem Solving and Posttraumatic Growth New Possibilities in Postoperative Breast Cancer Survivors.

The purpose of this study was to examine whether social problem solving (SPS) would relate to posttraumatic growth (PTG), particularly new life possibilities in breast cancer survivors. Participants included 85 women who had undergone surgical intervention for breast cancer at least 6 months prior to study participation. Participant ages ranged from 29 to 88 years.

Integrated Behavioral Medicine in Cancer Care: Utilizing a Training Program Model to Provide Psychological Services in an Urban Cancer Center.

Psycho-oncology has come of age as its own unique subspecialty under the umbrella of oncology, vastly refining our knowledge regarding the psychosocial impact of cancer and fostering acceptance of the psychological underpinnings of the cancer experience, in turn improving the overall quality of cancer care. The importance of integrating psychological practice into the comprehensive treatment of cancer has become readily apparent, and psychosocial support services are increasing in quantity and breadth. It is the aim of this article to present a cogent argument for the proliferation of Integrated Behavioral Medicine (IBM) programs in both inpatient and outpatient clinical cancer treatment centers via an in-depth discussion of a successful IBM program including analysis of program structure, service delivery model and description of clinical services provided, and a longitudinal review of referral trends.

Utilization of Behavioral Medicine Services to Refine Medical Diagnostic Formulation in the Face of Uncertain Symptom Presentation.

In the ever expanding realm of cancer care, the psychosocial impact of disease and medical treatments has been garnering increased attention. To address these needs, the integration of behavioral medicine services into inpatient and outpatient medical settings has added a unique resource available to oncologists. Psycho-oncologists may assist providers via the provision of psychological assessment and intervention, supplying valuable consultation to members of the medical team and much needed clinical services to patients.