ONCOLOGY PSYCHOLOGY AND PALLIATIVE CARE: INTERVENTIONS TO REDUCE EXISTENTIAL SUFFERING

Abstract

Oncological psychology has become an essential field in comprehensive cancer care, particularly in palliative care settings, where existential suffering plays a central role. This study aimed to analyze psychological interventions designed to reduce existential suffering in cancer patients receiving palliative care. It consists of a narrative literature review based on national and international scientific publications by authors such as Viktor Frankl, Irvin Yalom, William Breitbart, and Cicely Saunders, as well as articles indexed in PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases. The results indicate that interventions such as meaning-centered therapy, existential psychotherapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and spiritual support are effective in reducing symptoms such as hopelessness, anxiety, and distress related to finitude. It was observed that the integration of multidisciplinary teams and person-centered approaches enhances quality of life and improves acceptance of the disease process. It is concluded that oncological psychology, when properly applied in palliative care, significantly contributes to reducing existential suffering and promoting dignity at the end of life.