Description:
OPD Points: 5
Cancer is not only a physical diagnosis—it is a deeply emotional and psychological experience. Psycho-oncology, a specialist field within oncology for over four decades, addresses the psychological, emotional, and social challenges experienced by people with cancer, with the goal of improving quality of life and treatment outcomes.
In this insightful CPD presentation, participants will be introduced to the core principles and practices of psycho-oncology, with a focus on working within a multidisciplinary team (MDT) and using a holistic treatment framework. The presentation explores the psychological impact of a cancer diagnosis, the inner world of cancer patients, and how psychologists can contribute meaningfully to the treatment and support process.
Session Topics
-
The Role and Importance of the Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) in Oncology
-
Understanding the Psyche of the Cancer Patient
-
Integrating a Holistic Approach to Treatment and Care
This session is ideal for psychologists working in health, clinical, or counselling contexts who want to expand their skills in integrated care and better support clients dealing with serious illness.
Key Learning Objectives / Outcomes:
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Understand the role and scope of psycho-oncology within integrated cancer care.
Recognise the psychological experiences and needs of individuals diagnosed with cancer.
Appreciate the value of a multidisciplinary team (MDT) approach to cancer treatment.
Apply a holistic psychological framework when working with patients navigating the cancer journey.
Enhance their confidence in supporting patients during emotionally intense and uncertain stages of cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Assessment:
Presenter / Provider:
Audrey Katsidzira
Presenter Qualifications:
Audrey is the Founding Consultant of You Plus Wellness, a company which provides clinical, research and advocacy services. Audrey is resident psychologist at the Centre for Digestive Diseases and Liver Health, where she contributes to clinical workshops for the advancement of integrated patient care. Through a practitioner-researcher model at the Netcare Rosebank Hospital, Audrey improves the psycho-oncology program she developed for the Centre. In October 2018, Audrey presented this program at the 21st International Psychooncology Congress and Psychosocial Academy, Hong Kong. She earned her Masters in Clinical Psychology with distinction from the University of Johannesburg in 2014. By that time she was on the Deans’ List of Academic Excellence, and was a Golden Key Honours Society Member. Audrey was later featured on national TV for her contribution to research on substance abuse and youth music culture. For her masters, Audrey focused on the lived experience of shame in the context of acquaintance rape and presented her work in Yokohama, Japan at the International Congress of Psychology in 2016. Audrey is interviewed on different media contexts where she gives psycho-education. Audrey was appointed adjunct lecturer of psychology at Monash University South Africa and recently lectured psychology to medical students at Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University. She currently is temporary adjunct lecturer at the University of Johannesburg.
