Cancer Counselling
A cancer diagnosis can affect far more than physical health. People may have to absorb new information, make difficult decisions and adjust to changes in routines, roles and expectations. People respond to cancer in different ways. Fear, sadness, anger, uncertainty, changes in body image and strain on relationships can arise at different points. There is no single correct way to feel, and emotional needs can change as treatment progresses. Someone may feel relatively steady during one stage of treatment and experience greater emotional difficulty later, including after treatment has finished. Cancer counselling and psycho-oncology support can help people make space for the emotions, uncertainty and changes that may arise during diagnosis, treatment and life beyond treatment.
PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY & CANCER CARE
- Acute Distress & Emotional Coping at Diagnosis
- Chemotherapy & Radiation Psychological Support
- Pre- & Post-Mastectomy / Surgical Body Image Adaptation
- Scanxiety & Fear of Cancer Recurrence
- Caregiver Burnout & Family Counseling
- Palliative Care & Bereavement Support
When psychological support may be helpful
At diagnosis
Support can help with the shock of diagnosis, fear of the unknown, difficulty processing information and the emotional disruption that can follow a new diagnosis.
During treatment
Psychological support may help with treatment-related distress, uncertainty, fatigue, changes in routine and the emotional impact of chemotherapy, radiation or surgery.
After treatment
Finishing treatment can bring relief as well as uncertainty. Sessions may explore scanxiety, fear of recurrence, adjustment to life after treatment and rebuilding confidence.
For caregivers and families
Family members and caregivers may experience anxiety, exhaustion, grief or difficulty balancing support for a loved one with their own wellbeing.
When body image changes
Surgery and other cancer treatments can affect body image, confidence, intimacy and identity. These changes can be explored at a pace that feels appropriate.
During loss or bereavement
Support may also be relevant during palliative care, anticipatory grief and bereavement, with attention to the individual’s circumstances and support needs.
Scanxiety and recurrence fears
Exploring the anxiety that can arise before scans, follow-up appointments or when physical sensations trigger worries about recurrence.
A supportive, individual approach
The focus of consultation is shaped by the person’s circumstances, preferences and current needs. Initial consultations focus on understanding your current concerns, relevant medical or personal history and how symptoms are affecting your daily life - at a pace that feels manageable. There is no predetermined pressure to share everything at once. From there, support is tailored collaboratively around your specific needs, working alongside existing medical or psychological care whenever appropriate in a careful, confidential manner.
Hospital-based psycho-oncology experience
Dr Nandana’s clinical experience includes supporting patients and families within hospital-based medical care, where psychological concerns often sit alongside diagnosis, procedures, treatment decisions and recovery. The consultation approach remains individual and is shaped by the person’s current medical context and emotional needs.
Psycho-oncology support is not a substitute for oncology treatment. Where a concern requires urgent medical assessment, psychiatric care, crisis intervention or coordinated in-person support, referral to the appropriate service may be recommended.
Working alongside medical care
Psychological support complements—not replaces—care from the oncology and medical teams. Decisions about diagnosis, treatment, medication or physical symptoms should remain with the relevant medical professionals. If a concern needs urgent or specialist in-person assessment, an appropriate referral may be recommended.
