Introduction to Cancer Psychology: Supporting Clients From Diagnosis to Survivorship and/or End of Life
by Stephanie McDonough, PhD
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
This course is intended for licensed mental health providers seeking to gain knowledge to better support their patients who may be navigating a cancer diagnosis or those who are cancer survivors. This training is provided at an introductory level.
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.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Cancellations will be accepted and payments refunded in full up to two (2) weeks prior to any training event. Following two weeks prior to the event, a credit for future trainings matching the amount already paid for that event’s registration will be given to registrants who cancel their registration, for whatever reason, up to two (2) days prior to the event date. This credit can only be applied to one future training, regardless of its cost. If the cost of the future training is less than the amount paid, the difference will be lost. If the cost of the future training is greater than the credit, then the balance will become due at registration time. If a registrant cancels or no-shows within two days of the event date, a refund will not be given.
LOCATION
This CE will be located at BASE Cognitive Behavioral at 1515 Mockingbird Lane, Suite 580, Charlotte, NC 28209.
ACCESSIBILITY
BASE strives to ensure that each CE program is accessible to all participants. If you would like any accommodations, please contact us at 704-910-8381.
QUESTIONS
Please contact us at info@findyourbase.com or 704-910-8381 if you have any questions or grievances about the program.
WAITLIST
If this program is full, please email us at info@findyourbase.com to indicate your interest. If someone cancels we will contact you.
