Psychosocial Care for Pediatric Cancer. Module 03: Mental Health Care

Abstract

Advances in the treatment of pediatric cancer have made it possible to expand initiatives beyond cure and cover aspects such as early detection, continuity of treatment and reduction in toxicity. All this has paved the way for a more comprehensive vision of patient care, which means better chances of healing and a fuller life - objectives of the World Initiative against Childhood Cancer. Within this comprehensive care, psychosocial care includes the social, psychological, spiritual and functional dimensions of the disease process of patients. This series includes guidelines and standards based on evidence that guarantee the quality of said care. The standards are the result of discussion and review by different professionals from Latin America and the Caribbean. Module 3 focuses on mental health care, referring to the interventions of mental health specialists with the aim of preventing and addressing psychological or psychiatric symptoms in childhood cancer patients and their families, as well as the possible sequelae of disease and treatment.