On 4 February every year, World Cancer Day draws attention to one of the world's most prevalent diseases, highlighting not only medical advances but also the emotional impact on patients, families and survivors. Beyond cancer treatment, many people face psychological effects that can last for years, such as anxiety, depression and fear of recurrence, underlining the importance of comprehensive care that includes specialist psychological support.

Tània Estapé, a psychologist specialising in psycho-oncology and a lecturer at the Department of Psychology at UIC Barcelona, stressed that all patients agree that “there is a before and an after” after suffering with cancer, and although “time gradually lessens the fear, these are people who are left with a sense of vulnerability because they have become truly aware of the fragility of life”. In addition, according to the specialist, "there is the fear of recurrence, called the Damocles Syndrome, which is exacerbated by control visits, physical complaints...".

As well as this fear, the psychologist and president of the Spanish Society of Psycho-oncology, reminded us that, after cancer, self-image sometimes deteriorates, “especially in cases where there have been aesthetic or functional changes, and this leads to poorer self-esteem. Faced with this situation, more and more people are requesting psychological attention,” he added.

However, despite the increase in consultations, “the lack of specialised professionals makes it difficult to provide emotional care to patients”, explains Ingrid Ramo, psychologist and specialist in palliative care at the Clínica Cuides UIC Barcelona and coordinator of the “la Caixa” Foundation's EAPS Cuides. This is why both scientific societies and the General Psychology Council of Spain (COP) are taking action to implement the speciality of Psycho-oncology and Palliative Care. Ramo insisted that, “given the complexity of the disease, psychologists in this field must have very specific skills and training.” In her opinion, “recognition of the speciality, while establishing a regular training pathway for professionals, would also mean that more resources would be allocated to health care facilities”.

The specialist explained that the University's Bachelor's Degree in Psychology includes a subject for fourth-year students on psycho-oncology and the psychology of palliative care, where other specialists with a long career in the field take part. “Our formative approach focuses on students not only acquiring specific knowledge on how to intervene in this area but also on the skills and attitudes that the professional must have to establish a relationship of quality assistance”, she concluded.