The experience of cancer can be devastating, both medically and psychologic
ally. Research continues to show that cancer patients experience psychologi
cal distress at higher rates than the general population. Problem-Solving T
herapy (PST) is proposed as a potentially efficacious intervention to help
improve the quality-of-life of adult cancer patients and to reduce their di
stress. PST is a cognitive-behavioral therapy approach aimed at teaching co
ping skills to help individuals deal more effectively with stressful situat
ions, such as the myriad of medical, financial, psychosocial, sexual, and i
nterpersonal problems associated with the diagnosis and treatment of cancer
. A recently completed randomized clinical trial, Project Genesis, that tes
ted the efficacy of PST, is briefly described. An approach geared to help f
amily members of cancer patients, the HomeCare Guidebook, based on problem-
solving principles, is also discussed.