When people first hear their doctor say “It’s Cancer”, in most cases, we see their world come crashing down and questions such as “Why me?”, “What next?”, “What will happen to my family?”, “Will there be pain & suffering?”, “Will I become dependent or a burden?!”, “Is it worth it?!” and more flood them. There was an endless surge of emotion such as anger and anxiety, which can lead to helplessness, hopelessness and feelings of isolation and loneliness.

If you or your loved one is touched by cancer, we want you to know that all these reactions are normal and a lot of people in your situation react similarly. The intensity of their distress may vary but most individuals do experience these overwhelming emotions! So, you are not emotionally weak; it’s just your reaction to a situation and therefore, there is nothing right or wrong about it!

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However, while it is normal to experience these overwhelming emotions, these emotions can be debilitating and therefore need to be handled properly. But how? Where? And, with whom? Often, when you feel like sharing your innermost thoughts, fears and emotions with your near and dear ones, you may hold back either because you feel you are burdening your family and friends with more problems, or you may find your loved ones telling you not to worry, to be brave, happy and positive and assuring that everything would be okay. And this may leave you even more frustrated, lonely and lost.

You get the feeling that no one understands you, and you are alone!

No, you are not alone. We are with you! HCG is very sensitive to your emotional needs and extends its helping hand through COPER: Centre of Psycho-oncology for Education and Research.

Psycho-Oncology Services at HCG

Psycho-oncology is a subspecialty of oncology that addresses the emotional issues and concerns of individuals and their families touched by cancer. The psycho-oncology team is a group of mental health specialists (Psycho-oncologists & psychiatrists who specialise in cancer care) who are highly qualified, trained and empathetic. The team caters to the needs of adults, children and adolescents fighting cancer.

These compassionate and committed mental health specialists will guide and navigate you through the cancer journey. You can share your thoughts, feelings and emotions in the ambience of complete privacy and confidentiality. These specialists will not only listen to you but will also help you cope with your overwhelming situation.

The psycho-oncology service extends its help, by meeting your various psychological and emotional needs through well designed, scientific techniques, which are tailor-made to suit your emotional needs.

The services offered are as follows:

• Distress Assessment and Evaluation
• Individual Therapy
• Marital Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Stress Management Techniques (Relaxation therapy, Guided Imagery etc)
• De-addiction (Tobacco Cessation, Alcohol & other substance abuse)
• End-of-life Care
• Grief and Bereavement Counselling
• Rehabilitation counselling: Breast Prosthesis (Artificial Breast), Wigs to deal with hair loss, Stoma care etc.
• Brain Lab: Neurocognitive Assessment and Remediation