Approximately 3.5% of the population has experienced a cancer diagnosis, with an estimated 10 million cancer survivors. These figures increase if you expand the criteria to include those whose lives have been touched by the disease (e.g., family, friends, caregivers). While everyone has a unique response to a cancer experience, there are common stressors associated with each of the four stages on the cancer continuum: Pre-diagnosis; Diagnosis; Active Treatment; and Post-treatment including both Initial Re-entry and Longer-Term Survivorship. Course material will review the psychological demands associated with each of the four phases with a focus on assessment and diagnosis of psychological disorders among cancer patients (i.e., Adjustment Disorder, Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). In addition, an overview of relevant evidence-based psychological interventions will be provided. The information provided will enable mental healthcare providers and allied health professionals to meet each patient at the proper clinical juncture and to make effective plans for treatment to enhance psychological adjustment to cancer.

• Discuss research findings on the psychosocial challenges associated with the different phases of the cancer continuum, including pre-diagnosis/detection, diagnosis, active treatment, and post-treatment.
• Recognize a range of psychological symptoms/disorders associated with the cancer experience.
• Identify the clinical applicability of evidence-based psychological treatments.