Care as an act

Psycho-oncology, mental health and humanization of care

Abstract

Psycho-oncology is a field of work for psychologists focused on providing psychological assistance to patients, teams and family members involved in the context of cancer. This article aims to explore the various possibilities for Psychology to work within Psycho-oncology, with an emphasis on care relationships in the hospital environment and the essential role that psychologists play in promoting mental health and humanizing care for patients suffering from serious illnesses. Qualitative research was adopted as the methodology, using documentary analysis of the film Wit – Uma Lição de Vida and bibliographic research. The discussion highlights the importance of care relationships with patients, which function as promoters of mental health and humanization, significantly influencing the way individuals deal with suffering and face the experience of illness. Psychology, in this context, assumes a central role. It is concluded that the inclusion of Psychology in the hospital environment expands the possibilities of care, not only for patients, but also for their families and the health team, and this is a growing process. Reflecting on this reality opens up new ways of welcoming people who experience a chronic and progressive illness.