Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Patients With Cancer

Author's disclosures of potential conflicts of interest are found at the end of this article. C ancer is the second most common cause of death in the United States. It is estimated that there were 1,665,540 new cases diagnosed in 2014 (American Cancer Society [ACS], 2014). The mainstay treatment options for various cancers include surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and hormonal therapies or some combination. In addition to the effects cancer itself may have on the patient, its treatment often brings about adverse effects such as fatigue, insomnia, pain, and depression (ACS, 2014). These side effects can have an impact on the patient's physical condition as well as on his or her quality of life. Because of the multiple effects cancer can have on a patient's life, it is important for oncology advanced practitioners (APs) to include both pharmacologic and nonpharmaco-logic management methods in the plan of care. One intervention that has been recognized as beneficial is cognitive behavior therapy, or CBT 2006). This article will describe the use of CBT as an intervention for patients with cancer and the positive impact it may have on quality of life. Cognitive behavior therapy is a psychotherapeutic approach that emphasizes the significance of how our thinking affects the way we feel. It has historically been used for psychological disorders yet is now being explored for a number of different problems, including pain associated with various oncologic and hemato-logic disorders (Anie & Green, 2012; Tatrow & Montgomery, 2006). Cognitive behavior therapy is built on the foundation that it is difficult to change our emotions directly. The aim of CBT is to change emotions by first changing thoughts and behaviors (Cully & Teten, 2008). Offered in 30-to 60-minute increments, CBT is targeted to change the perceptions of how and what patients think based on the basic principle that says how a person thinks has a tremendous effect on his or her emotions and behavior (Mus-taffa, Musa, Abu, & Yusof, 2012). The patient works with a CBT practitioner to develop skills to recognize, counteract , and manage problematic thoughts and beliefs (Aschim et al., 2011). If resources are available, APs can refer patients to licensed cogni-tive behavior therapists; many counselors have extensive training in this technique, which would be a benefit