Introduction to Cancer Psychology: Supporting Clients From Diagnosis to Survivorship and/or End of Life

by Stephanie McDonough, PhD

Webinar Based Exam

2 CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS

BASE is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. BASE maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

DESCRIPTION

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States (National Center for Health Statistics, 2026). In 2026, approximately 2.1 million new cancer cases are expected to be diagnosed in the U.S. alone (American Cancer Society, 2026a). Cancer and its treatment can broadly impact physical and emotional well-being, contributing to issues with symptom burden, grief and mood disturbance, social isolation, and financial strain (American Cancer Society, 2026b; Götze et al., 2020; Milic et al., 2025; Podbury et al., 2025; Smith et al., 2022; Wang et al., 2024). 

This course is designed to equip mental health practitioners with an understanding of the impact of cancer on overall health and functioning. Topics include common physical symptoms, emotional responses, and psychosocial effects associated with cancer. Participants will examine key considerations for screening and assessment, psychological and behavioral interventions, and interdisciplinary care. The course will also provide an overview of clinical considerations across the cancer care continuum, including initial diagnosis, survivorship, disease progression, and end-of-life care to inform effective and responsive treatment planning.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Based on the content of this workshop, you will be able to:

• Identify common physical and emotional experiences associated with cancer

• Describe unique considerations for the assessment of depression in patients with cancer

• Identify psychological and behavioral interventions to support a patient who is navigating a cancer diagnosis

• Recognize the role of mental health providers in supporting well-being in those with cancer

AUDIENCE

RESOURCES

American Cancer Society. (2026a). Cancer facts & figures 2026. https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2026/2026-cancer-facts-and-figures.pdf

American Cancer Society. (2026b). Mental health and distress. https://www.cancer.org/cancer/managing-cancer/side-effects/emotional-mood-changes.html#:~:text=A%20cancer%20diagnosis%20can%20affect%20the%20mental,can%20cause%20anxiety%2C%20depression%2C%20distress%2C%20and%20loneliness.

Götze, H., Friedrich, M., Taubenheim, S., Dietz, A., Lordick, F., & Mehnert, A. (2020). Depression and anxiety in long-term survivors 5 and 10 years after cancer diagnosis. Supportive care in cancer, 28(1), 211-220.

Milic, J., Vucurovic, M., Grego, E., Jovic, D., Sapic, R., Jovic, S., & Jovanovic, V. (2025). From fear to hope: understanding preparatory and anticipatory grief in women with cancer—a public health approach to integrating screening, compassionate communication, and psychological support strategies. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 14(11), 3621.

National Center for Health Statistics. (2026). Leading causes of death. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/leading-causes-of-death.htm#:~:text=According%20to%20the%20Mortality%20in%20the%20United,disease%20and%20cirrhosis**%2052%2C274%20*%20**Suicide**%2048%2C824

Podbury, B., Gurgenci, T., Huggett, G., Greer, R., Hardy, J., & Good, P. (2025). Psychological distress and physical symptoms in advanced cancer: cross-sectional study. BMJ supportive & palliative care, 15(6), 827-830.

Smith, G. L., Banegas, M. P., Acquati, C., Chang, S., Chino, F., Conti, R. M., Greenup, R.A., Kroll, J.L., Liang, M.I., Pisu, M., Primm, K.M., Roth, M.E., Shankaran, V., & Yabroff, K. R. (2022). Navigating financial toxicity in patients with cancer: a multidisciplinary management approach. CA: a cancer journal for clinicians, 72(5), 437-453.

Wang, C., Qiu, X., Yang, X., Mao, J., & Li, Q. (2024). Factors influencing social isolation among cancer patients: A systematic review. Healthcare (Basel, Switzerland), 12(10), 1042. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12101042

PROFESSIONAL AND ETHICAL ISSUES

There is no commercial support for this CE program, instructor, content of instruction, or any other relationship that could be construed as a conflict of interest. There is no endorsement of products.

Study Guide