Cancer Dictionary

Proton therapy is an advanced type of radiation treatment that uses high-energy proton beams instead of conventional X-rays to eradicate cancer cells. By precisely targeting tumors, proton therapy minimizes damage to healthy tissues and organs, potentially reducing side effects and improving patient outcomes.

Psycho-oncology (from psychology and oncology) refers to the psychological care of cancer patients and survivors (cancer counseling). Another term is psychosocial oncology. Psycho-oncology is thus an interdisciplinary form of psychotherapy or clinical psychology that deals with the psychological, social, and socio-legal conditions, consequences, and concomitant symptoms of cancer. In the practical context of care or therapy, it is the responsibility of the psychooncologist to support the patient in coping with the disease by means of different techniques, for example, crisis intervention or resource-oriented interventions. The aim here is to strengthen the patient's competence to cope with the illness. Psycho-oncological care should be ensured in all phases of the disease, i.e. during acute treatment, rehabilitation, and, also after successful treatment.

The term "psychosocial" refers to the combined influence of psychological and social factors on an individual's overall well-being and functioning. It encompasses the interplay between a person's mental or emotional state (psychological) and the various aspects of their social environment, including relationships, cultural context, and societal influences. The psychosocial approach considers the dynamic interaction between an individual's inner experiences and the external social factors that shape and impact their mental health, behavior, and overall quality of life.