There exists no shortage of treatment options for cancer, from radiotherapy and chemotherapy to experimental options like immunotherapy. Yet, in spite of all the research and experimentation around the disease itself, there are relatively few options for treating cancer's psychological effects. Those invisible ailments occur with enough frequency that there's even a name for them — cancer-related distress.
In a recent survey published in the American Society of Clinical Oncology Journal, roughly 30 percent of patients reported symptoms identified as "clinically meaningful." Psychological issues reported included fatigue, worry, insomnia, sadness, nervousness, fear and memory problems. Physiological symptoms included tingling, skin problems, issues with appearance and pain.
It's no coincidence that many of these symptoms have also been linked to extreme stress . Cancer-related distress is very likely a stress response to the disease, one only exacerbated by the isolation that often accompanies treatment .
For further details see:
Psychedelics for Cancer-related Distress