Tan Shian Ming
Singapore General Hospital, Singapore
Title: Psychiatric illness in the cancer patient
Biography
Biography: Tan Shian Ming
Abstract
Despite the advances in medical treatment, receiving a diagnosis of cancer conjures up in many, the spectre of morbidity and mortality. Often viewed as a death sentence, grappling with the challenges of living with cancer sits uncomfortably in most individuals and evokes a vast range of overwhelming emotions. These psychological responses may sometimes manifest as depression and anxiety disorders; conditions that oncologists may not be confident in addressing. This oral presentation gives an overview of the common psychiatric conditions arising in oncology patients including clinical presentation and general management considerations. At the same time, it provides insight to the challenges in determining the fine line that separates psychiatric illness from normal psychological reactions in oncology patients and suggests answers to mitigate this conundrum.