Psycho-oncology
Locations
Contact
- Outpatients appointments
- 0203 311 1739
Visitor Information
Visiting restrictions are in place. Please call the ward to find out more. Find your hospital ward contact information:
About
The psycho-oncology team offers a specialist psychological care service for people affected by cancer, as well as their partners, families or carers, at any point during their care at Imperial.
We are embedded in the cancer centre and work alongside cancer doctors and nurses, to meet the psychological needs of patients and carers at any point, from diagnosis through treatment onwards.
Learn more about our psycho-oncology services:
Conditions and treatments
It is common for people who are dealing with the diagnosis, treatment or after-effects of cancer to feel distressed. People make it through this tough time using their own resilience, the support of friends, family and peers, as well as organisations such as Macmillan, Maggie’s, Mulberry Centre, Trekstock, The Haven, and many others.
Most people also find support in the expert care of their doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, and particularly the cancer clinical nurse specialists, who are also specifically trained in psychological support.
Sometimes, however, where people experience persistent distress that is hard to manage, additional input from psychological care specialists can be useful.
Our input is available to people with any cancer diagnosis, at any stage of their care, with cancer-related difficulties such as:
- Anxiety, panic or worry that is hard to manage
- Feeling low or depressed a lot of the time
- Difficulties making decisions about, or coping with, cancer treatments
- Relationship difficulties e.g. with a partner, in the family or with hospital staff
- Body image or sexual difficulties
Our clinical approach is always personalised to the individual, and we will discuss our advice and suggestions very openly and transparently.
Online resources
- Macmillan – Your Emotions - A brief, clear guide to understanding and addressing feelings about cancer
- Cancer Care Map - Cancer Care Map is a simple, online resource that aims to help you find cancer support services in your local area wherever you are in the UK
Latest news See all news
-
Read the full storyImproving cancer care pathways at Imperial College Healthcare
In February 2024, we kicked off a major programme to find out how we could make our cancer care pathways work better for patients and their families, drawing directly on their views and ideas as well as those of our staff and care partners. While…
-
Read the full storyUltrasound scan can diagnose prostate cancer
An ultrasound scan can be used to detect cases of prostate cancer, according to new research by Imperial College London, University College London and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. The study found that a new type of ultrasound scan can…