Converging historical wends within society, oncology, and psychiatry have led to the development of a subspecialiy within oncology known as psychooncology, which addresses the two major dimensions of cancer: (I) the psychological (psychosocial) responses of patients, families, and caretakers to cancer; to all stages of disease and (2) the psychological, behavioral, and social (psychobiological) factors that influence risk, detection, and survival. Quality-of-life issues and research have becomc a major focus of interest in psychooncology. Recent efforts have concentrated on the development of a unitary measure that might combine length of survival and quality of life. This information will be helplul in weighing the outcome of different primary treatment options. Another important area of exploration is the possible interaction of psychological, endocrine, and immune function variables in cancer morbidity and mortality. Data is still awaited, but findings may show that interventions based on psychophysiological interactions can have salutary effects on cancer treatment, implications of psychosocial research draw attention to patients' respokes to holistic programs and coping styles. Patients need knowledge, encouragement, and advice. Raised public consciousness and the merger of medical and psychosocial data auger well for greater future support and progress in psychooncologic research.
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