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Psychosocial oncology is concerned with understanding and treating the social, psychological, emotional, spiritual, quality-of-life and functional aspects of cancer, from prevention through survival or bereavement.

The Psychosocial Oncology Program is made up of a multi-disciplinary team that includes representation from social work, psychology, psychiatry, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, nutrition, speech-language pathology and kinesiology. It was formed in 2008, and provides services at The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre and the Irving Greenberg Family Cancer Centre.

As patients and families go through the various stages of the cancer continuum, the Psychosocial Oncology Program can complement the bio-medical aspects of cancer treatment by providing a comprehensive range of services to optimize the “experience” of living with cancer. The team’s dedicated professionals collaborate to provide excellent clinical service and compassionate care to the patients and families who need it. It is also very important that patients and families affected by cancer feel acknowledged and understood. We can help them feel empowered by providing information and a variety of resources. No one should go through it alone!

In keeping with the mandate of The Ottawa Hospital, the Psychosocial Oncology Program is highly dedicated to providing excellent clinical service, but also prioritizes education, training, and research. For more information about its services, please go to the Psychosocial Oncology Program web pages.

Caroline Gerin-Lajoie, MD, FRCPC
Psychiatrist, Assistant Professor
Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa
Medical Lead, Psychosocial Oncology Program
The Ottawa Hospital Cancer Centre

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