The Ordem dos Psicólogos Portugueses (OPP) was present at the I Iberian Congress of Psycho-Oncology, which took place at Faculdade de Psicologia e Ciências da Educação of Universidade do Porto, this week. Eduardo Carqueja, member of the Board of Representatives, represented the Order.

In a brief reflection on the importance of Psychology in the area of oncology, Eduardo Carqueja stated that psychological intervention allows a saving in health services, reduces complaints and the symptoms caused by the secondary effects of treatment and the number of doctors' visits.

Eduardo Carqueja made it very clear that being a psychologist is not enough to work in this area. Professionals must have appropriate skills for this duty. He also stated that training is a basic and ethical demand which any psychologist connected to Oncological Psychology must have.

The meeting resulted from the celebration of the European Week Against Cancer and its main objective was to promote the discussion and awareness of the scientific community about the importance that psychological factors have throughout the various stages of oncological diseases.