ABSTRACT
The world of a cancer patient is filled with change - from the diagnosis of a potentially life-threatening disease to the initiation of often toxic antineoplastic therapies. While cancer patients may be highly motivated to make lifestyle-related changes in order to suppon them through the treatment process and potentially help with recovery and prevention of recurrence, it can prove more difficult to counsel high-risk individuals successfully concerning cancer-prevention activities. Cancer patients may also have different levels of readiness for supponive care options, depending upon their ability to cope with multiple changes all at the same time. For example, recommendations for psychotherapy may have negative connotations for patients who feel they have their situation 'under control' and would rather focus on convt:ntional antineoplastic therapy only. It is imponant to evaluate patient needs through appropriate screening. Once a need is identified, counseling should begin with an assessment of the individual's level of readiness for change.
