The flourishing scholarship of psychosocial oncology viewed across 30 years through the lens of this journal, Psycho-Oncology.

OBJECTIVE

This issue celebrates the 30th anniversary of Psycho-Oncology as a journal, a home for scholarship integrating the psychological, social and behavioural dimensions of cancer. Psycho-oncology developed as an evidence-based discipline to offer an alternative to unproven therapies and to optimise coping and support for patients with cancer and their families.

METHODS

A review of key articles was undertaken for this editorial.

RESULTS

Empirical studies have defined the prevalence of morbidity arising from cancer and the acute, longer-term and late effects of its varied treatments. Interventions have been adapted to respond to existential challenges, death anxiety, fear of recurrence, disease progression, palliative care and have been continued into bereavement. Mixed modality treatments have combined psychotropic and psychotherapeutic interventions. Survivorship studies have examined rehabilitation, fertility, sexuality, body image and relational impacts of illness.

CONCLUSION

This journal has helped the discipline to flourish by publishing the innovative outputs of its community of researchers.