The first person who can give you psychological help is your urologist. He will be assisted by your radiation oncologist if you need or are undergoing radiation therapy and your hemato-oncologist if chemotherapy becomes necessary.

So when distress or difficulties arise, many hospital staff can help you. The choice of a health professional is primarily based on the nature of the problems, but also according to your preferences. In order to make an informed decision, it is important that you discuss this with your doctor (urologist, radiation oncologist, hemato-oncologist) or with any other member of the team who accompanies you in your medical follow-up. Do not neglect your family doctor, because he can, like your specialist, help you; he will take into consideration your overall state of health and will refer you, if necessary, to the right specialist.

You can take advantage of the contribution of several health professionals at the same time or successively during your medical journey. Visit the Resources section of our site for more information or contact us at 1-855-899-2873. Other health professionals for you:

The psychiatrist

The psychiatrist is a medical specialist who can diagnose psychosocial problems, evaluate underlying physical disorders, and prescribe medication. They can also treat patients for pain. A psychiatrist can help the patient both physically and psychologically.

The psychologist

The psychologist can help in coping with emotional or psychological reactions to the disease and its treatments. They can also help in understanding the reaction of family members. Psychiatrists can help improve your quality of life, psychological health, and the family’s coping abilities.

The sexologist

A sexologist can help the patient and his partner overcome or adapt to the changes in their sexuality that take place after treatment. For example, the sex therapist can help patients cope with erectile dysfunction naturally without medication. They can also help patients explore other sides of their sexuality and find different ways of expressing affection.

Sexuality can take on different forms yet still remain equally fulfilling for both spouses. When hormone therapy causes a drop in libido, the sexologist can assist both the patient and couple in coping with the situation to avoid suffering, discouragement, and guilt.

The social worker

The social worker focuses on the social well-being of the patient. The social worker works with the patient and his family and assists the patient with the procedures for obtaining financial assistance required during cancer treatments. The social worker also works with the healthcare team organize the patient’s discharge from the hospital with the help of community resources (CLSC, rehabilitation centres, etc.)

The spiritual advisor

The spiritual advisor offers religious and spiritual support to people who are hospitalized and their loved ones.

Working with your healthcare team

It is very important to keep your healthcare team up‑to‑date on your mood as you progress through your cancer treatment. Open and honest communication about how you’re feeling is imperative if you want your healthcare team to be able to help you.