Improve the counselling skills of doctors and nurses in cancer care.

Abstract

The diagnosis and treatment of cancer cause consider- able psychological distress and morbidity.' But this is resolved in only a minority of patients because those concerned in their care tend to avoid the emotional aspects.2 They distance themselves for two main reasons. They lack the skills to handle the difficult problems and strong emotions that may emerge if they talk with patients and relatives in any depth. Also, they fear that probing into how a person is adjusting psychologically will do more harm than good.