ABSTRACT
This chapter takes a step in the evolution of treatments for people with cancer, by incorporating newer developments within Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), without sacrificing what we know is helpful. Both individual and group administered CBT has demonstrated efficacy in treating depression and anxiety in cancer patients, though the efficacy is less than perfect. CBT is more aptly described not as a single therapy but as a family of therapies. The chapter presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book. It presents the psychological and physical challenges that cancer patients face, from the time of diagnosis and early treatment through survivorship. The chapter addresses the treatment of depression in cancer patients and utilizes new advances in understanding of depression. It describes a very brief treatment focus, intended to put a floor under the distressed cancer patient.
