What Impact Does an Initial Psycho-oncological Contact Have on People With Cancer?

When diagnosed with cancer, patients or their relatives may, if they wish, on the recommendation of the treatment team and/or in cases of high stress, seek psycho-oncological support. This study investigates whether an initial consultation with a psycho-oncological specialist reduces anxiety and depression, improves quality of life, and whether patients subsequently make greater use of support services. Participants will be randomised, meaning they will be assigned to groups at random to ensure that the results are comparable. In the intervention group, participants will receive a detailed initial consultation with a psycho-oncology specialist and standard treatment. In the control group, participants receive standard treatment. To gather results, questionnaires are administered at regular intervals (at the start, after 3 and 6 months). The study lasts a total of 6 months. The study was developed by patients. It is being conducted simultaneously at several hospitals.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients with an oncological disease diagnosed within the last 3 months with planned or ongoing systemic oncologic treatment (e.g. chemotherapy, immunotherapy, hormone therapy) or a planned or ongoing radiotherapy * Patient is ≥18 years of age and legally competent * Patients must have understood and signed the study information and the informed consent form * Patients are willing and able to complete scheduled follow-up evaluations / questionnaires as described in the informed consent * No previous contact with psycho-oncological services Exclusion Criteria: * Documented severe functional impairment according to the ECOG Performance Status (ECOG 3-4) * Patients receiving or planned to receive treatments associated with a severe risk of toxicity (e.g., CAR-T cell therapy, myeloablative therapy) * Insufficient language skills in German * Inability to give informed consent * Refusal to participate in the study, unsigned informed consent