Media Releases
Psychosocial care guidelines a world first
The release of a new set of guidelines addressing psychosocial care for adults with cancer is expected to improve outcomes and quality of life for Australian cancer patients and their families.
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less in this section14 August 2003
Psychosocial care guidelines a world first
The release of a new set of guidelines addressing psychosocial care for adults with cancer is expected to improve outcomes and quality of life for Australian cancer patients and their families.
Launching the Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Psychosocial Care of Adults with Cancer, Minister for Health and Ageing Senator Kay Patterson said, "It's time we all recognised that treating cancer patients is not just about managing the physical aspects of the disease. The psychological impact of cancer is equally important, with up to 50,000 Australians experiencing anxiety or depression each year following a diagnosis with cancer."
"Undetected and untreated, emotional disorders have the potential to impact on the patient's family, friends, social networks and employment," Senator Patterson said.
"Australia is the first country in the world to take steps to address this problem through the release of psychosocial guidelines," said Senator Patterson.
"Studies of psychosocial care have long demonstrated significant benefits to the patient including reduced anxiety and depression 1.
Written for the wide range of health professionals who deal with cancer patients, the Guidelines are a collaborative effort of the National Breast Cancer Centre and the National Cancer Control Initiative and build upon a set of guidelines previously developed for women with breast cancer.
Approved by the National Health and Medical Research Council, the guidelines provide comprehensive, evidence-based information about preventing, managing and treating the social and psychological consequences of cancer.
"These Guidelines will be a valuable reference and will underscore the need for psychosocial intervention to complement all cancer treatment," Senator Patterson said.
Media inquiries: Randal Markey, Media Adviser, Senator Patterson's office, 02 6277 7220.
1 Devine and Westlake, Oncology Nursing Forum, 1995; 22:1369-1381.
