Challenges in the Field of Psycho-Oncology: Insights from Research

Dear Colleagues,

Cancer is a multifactorial disease that continues to show a significant increase in incidence worldwide at different stages of the life cycle, impacting important developmental transition processes. Current scientific advancements allow for increased survival rates through early detection and access to quality treatments and survivorship care, particularly in countries with strong healthcare systems and universal access. However, this clinical condition can be disruptive, being associated with recurrent symptoms such as physical pain, fatigue, anxiety, depression, impairment in cognitive function in response to treatments, and strain on personal relationships, with a negative impact on the well-being of individuals and their families. At the same time, evidence consistently suggests that psychological, social, and behavioral aspects can modulate the course of oncologic disease.

In this context, the need to provide current evidence on the advancement of knowledge at the level of psycho-oncological care becomes essential in the face of a clear paradigm shift that has moved beyond focusing on cures and has instead been invested in the assessment and development of innovative interventions aimed at promoting the quality of life of patients and their support network, considering the specificities of the disease in different populations, stages, and contexts. Furthermore, through this Special Issue, we hope to make visible the current challenges of intervention in psycho-oncology from an international perspective, identifying inequalities and, simultaneously, intervention opportunities that should be explored to promote sustained global initiatives aligned with the objectives of sustainable development (e.g., SDG 3—Good Health and Well-Being and SDG 10—Reduced Inequalities).

We invite all authors to submit their empirical studies or reviews to this Special Issue, with a focus on research in this interdisciplinary area and aligned with the priorities and global aspirations of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Dr. Ana Bartolo
Dr. Sara Monteiro
Dr. Tânia Brandão
Dr. Ricardo João Teixeira
Guest Editors

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• cancer
• psycho-oncology
• survivorship care
• psychological distress
• quality of life
• sustainable development goals
• global health
• health disparities