Beyond Treatment

Psychosocial Issues Surrounding Cancer

Anne Moyer Ph.D.

Healing Ink

Now, mastectomy tattoos are being used as a transformative tool to create beauty and agency that combat feelings of disfigurement and loss of control.

How Does Public Policy Relate to Cancer?

Regulations, legislation, funding, and other decisions can help to save lives and improve the lives of cancer survivors.

Cancer on Screen as “Cancertainment”

The changing tone of cancer portrayals seems to be in step with changing societal beliefs. But that doesn’t mean there isn't room for improvement.

The Unique Needs of Adolescents and Young Adults with Cancer

Young adult cancer patients face specific challenges as they experience disease during critical developmental, social, and reproductive years.

Cancer-Focused Apps: The Promise and Challenges

Relatively little is known about the risks and efficacy, as well as data security and protection, of mobile tools for cancer-related health.

4 Concerns About At-Home Genetic Testing for Cancer Risk

Assessing risk for cancer through genetic testing is an important advancement for early detection and prevention—but some argue that the issue is more complex.

Dreaming of a Good Night’s Sleep

One study of cancer patients reporting some type of sleep difficulty at the start of their treatment showed rates close to 60 percent.

Cancer and the Opioid Epidemic

Recent research suggests that a significant minority of cancer patients are susceptible to opioid overuse.

Cancer and Animals

Researchers are beginning to recognize the interconnectedness of human and companion animal health.

Why Making Treatment Decisions Can Be Hard

In recent years, an emphasis on patient autonomy has increased individuals’ involvement in their health care decisions.

Lymphedema in Breast Cancer Patients

Taking steps to avoid the onset of lymphedema is important: The condition is chronic once it has developed and managing it requires a great deal of effort.

Psycho-oncology

What have been the contributions of psycho-oncology?

How You Can Help Cancer Patients

As a researcher, I devote some of my time enrolling in as a participant in research studies.

Coping with the Long-Term and Late Effects of Cancer

There is a need to address quality of life issues, specifically in the area of reproductive health, for young cancer patients.

The Financial Burden of Cancer

About 29 percent of cancer patients in the U.S. report some kind of financial burden.

Cancer Clinical Trials

In deciding whether a research study or a clinical trial is right for them, potential participants should be armed with some knowledge.

Cancer and Stigma

Today, cancer is less stigmatized and more openly discussed, but stigma can still affect the well-being of cancer patients.

I Have Cancer; Do I Need to See a Therapist, Too?

When cancer's emotional and physical pain makes one feel defective or alone, a place to find support, compassion, and build coping skills has the potential to go a long way.

Yoga and Quality of Life for Cancer Patients

With the physical, emotional, cognitive, and existential difficulties that cancer patients face, yoga seems like a fitting remedy.

Cancer, Keeping Active, and the Mind

Cancer treatment can make one reluctant to get moving.

Try to Make Sense of Healthy, Ethical Food Choices

As a health psychologist, I strive to learn all that I can about a lifestyle that promotes well being, including healthy eating.

Does it Pay to Incentivize Cancer Prevention?

Financial incentives for health behavior change capitalize on the insight that human behavior is influenced by its consequences.

Cancer and Relationships

Cancer and its treatment have many effects on patients that are relevant to their social and intimate relationships.

Expectations and Cancer: Does How We Think Matter?

Expectations have the potential to influence the experience of cancer, for worse and for better.

Gratitude, Resolutions, and Cancer?

This is the season when many of us pause to give thanks and perhaps look toward the future for renewal. How can these themes be connected to the cancer experience?

Serving the Whole Low-Income Woman With Cancer

Being diagnosed and treated for breast cancer can involve many stresses and challenges.

Does How We Talk About Cancer Matter?

Metaphors of battle and sport are prominent in our discourse regarding cancer.

Coping: What We Can Learn From Cancer Patients

A colleague once shared with me a practice that facilitates approaching the trials we encounter with patience, humility, and an open mind: