Tailoring cognitive-behavioral therapy of pain in cancer patient

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the issues concerning the application of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in the treatment of patients suffering from cancer related pains. In order to simplify the referral process of patients for specialist psychological treatments, specification of pains related to cancer, pain intensity scales and the identification of the related psychological distress were discussed. The cognitive pain model, and the implementation and effectiveness of the cognitive behavioural therapy in the above-mentioned, specific groups of patients were also demonstrated. Special emphasis was given to the possible modifications of the CBT related to cancer pain treatment in order to provide personalized, “tailor-made” therapies for each individual. The implementation of these findings concerning each individual would help in choosing the optimal therapy during the most optimal time, and it would aid the modification of these therapies to provide the most suited way of help adjusted to the patient’s actual needs and capabilities.