THE ROLE OF THE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST IN GYNECOLOGICAL CANCER

Gynecological cancers, which account for a substantial proportion of c ancer cases in women, can precipitate a wide range of psychological di fficulties including affective disturbances, sexual problems, certain somatic symptoms, and family issues. The clinical psychologist has a u nique contribution to make in the assessment and treatment of the psyc hological needs of gynecological cancer patients, while also conductin g research and providing training for health professionals regarding t he psychological issues associated with gynecological cancer. Although the gynecological cancer setting affords the clinical psychologist mu ltiple personal benefits, strategies must usually be implemented to mi nimize any negative impact arising from working in an area of consider able psychological stress. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Inc.