What Is Psycho-oncology? A Growing Field for Mental Health Support in Cancer Care:

Introduction

The healthcare industry is advancing day by day, and in addition to medical care, it is quite important now to pay attention to mental and emotional well-being as well. Most cancer patients experience a lot of emotional strain, and that’s where the field of psycho-oncology can be very helpful.

Psycho-oncologists collaborate with doctors and nurses to offer comprehensive care to patients. They provide counselling, emotional support and assist an individual to deal with stress, fear, and anxiety in the course of treatment. A PG diploma in psycho-oncology is a course that helps the students to develop as skilled professionals who are able to work in hospitals, cancer care centres, NGOs, and such support groups. It includes issues of psychology, counselling, cancer treatment, and communication with the patients.

In this blog we will talk about Psycho-oncology a growing field for Mental Health Support in Cancer Care and why it’s study is best extended by SGT University.

Top Reasons to Study Psycho-oncology in 2025

• Rising cancer load demonstrates the necessity of mental care.
• Mental health is becoming a part of oncology treatment.
• There is a high demand for trained psycho-oncology personnel.
• Improves patient-centered comprehensive cancer care.
• Increasing research opportunities and scholastic development.
• Provides interdisciplinary education in psychology, oncology, and palliative care.
• Known as one of the emerging health issues around the world.
• Others open the way into advocacy and health policy jobs.
• An increase in the number of people adopting telehealth enhances the use of tele-psycho-oncology.
• Empowers and supports patients and their families.

Role of Psycho-oncologist in Cancer Treatment and Patient Care:

• Emotional Support— Eases patient distress by addressing fear, anxiety, and depression.
• Improved Treatment Adherence— Enhances compliance by tackling psychological barriers to treatment.
• Enhanced Quality of Life—Promotes mental well- being throughout the cancer journey.
• Family and Caregiver Support— Reduces caregiver stress through counseling and guidance.
• Palliative and End-of-Life Care— Provides emotional comfort during advanced illness and dying stages.

Career Scope and Job Opportunities After Studying Psycho-oncology:

• Psycho-oncologist—Employment in cancer treatment centers or hospitals offering counseling interventions with patients.
• Clinical Psychologist (Oncology Specialization)—Provide treatment and assessment to oncology patients and survivors.
• Palliative Care Specialist—Manage emotional and psychological issues of end-of-life care.
• Rehabilitation Counselor—Help patients with chronic cancer and treatment side effects.
• Cancer Support Group Facilitator—Facilitate lead therapeutic or peer-support groups in clinics or NGOs.
• Health Psychologist—Specialty in behavior modification, stress management, and coping skills in oncology settings.
• Academic & Research Employment—Conduct research in universities or research centers for cancer mental health studies.
• Public Health Consultant or Policy Advisor—Influence the integration of mental health and oncology within public health systems.
• Telehealth Practitioner (Tele-psycho-oncology)—Offer telepsychological care to cancer patients.
• NGO & Advocacy Work—Provide awareness, counseling, and psycho-social support interventions at the national and community levels.

Essential Skills You Need to Become a Successful Psycho-oncologist:

• Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills (to effectively interact with patients, families, and healthcare teams)
• Deep Understanding of Psychological Assessment Tools (like MMPI, HADS, or Beck Depression Inventory)
• Expertise in Psycho-oncology Interventions (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, grief counseling, and stress management)
• Knowledge of Cancer Treatment Processes and Medical Terminology (to coordinate effectively with oncologists and medical teams)

Salary Expectations After a PG Diploma in Psycho-oncology in India:

The average salary package after a PG Diploma in Psycho-Oncology can range from ₹3 to ₹6 lakh per annum, depending on the job role, organization (hospital, NGO, or cancer center), and individual skillset. With relevant clinical experience, the highest salary package can go up to ₹10 Lakh+ per annum, especially in senior roles like Lead Psycho-oncologist or Clinical Program Coordinator.

After a PG Diploma in Psycho-oncology: What to Study Next?

• Master’s in Clinical Psychology (to deepen psychological expertise and gain clinical license eligibility)
• M.Phil. in Psycho-oncology or Clinical Psychology (for specialization and RCI recognition in India)
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psycho-oncology, Clinical Psychology, or Health Psychology
• Postgraduate Certificate in Palliative Care (to enhance end-of-life care and psychosocial support skills)
• Certificate Course in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (for advanced psychotherapeutic intervention skills)

Top Recruiters & Workplaces:

• Cancer Hospitals—Tata Memorial, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute, Apollo Cancer Centres
• Multispecialty Hospitals—Fortis, Medanta, AIIMS, Manipal Hospitals
• Palliative Care NGOs—CanSupport, Pallium India, Cipla Palliative Care
• Mental Health Foundations—iCall, MINDS Foundation, Live Love Laugh
• Academic & Research Institutes—NIMHANS, TISS, Indian Cancer Society

PG Diploma in Psycho-oncology at SGT University: Overview

• Course Duration: 1 year (2 semesters)
• Course Fees: INR 40,000 (Per Annum)
• Course EligibilityMA/MSc Psychology/BSc Nursing/ BAMS/MBBS/B.Pharma

Key subjects:

• Introduction to Psycho-oncology
• Cancer Biology and Medical Terminology
• Psychological Aspects of Cancer
• Psychotherapy and Counseling Techniques
• Grief, Loss, and Palliative Care

Top Institute in India for Psycho-oncology Studies: SGT University

• SGT University is a very renowned educational institute in Haryana, which is famous for its multidisciplinary approach towards education. The university offers more than 200 programs with top-notch educational standards.
• SGT University has accreditations from different well-known and prestigious organizations, including NAAC (A+ grade), ISO, IIRF, RCI, UGC, NABH, NABL, the Government of Haryana, and the Association of Indian Universities. These accreditations verify the quality of the education offered by SGT University.
• The Faculty of Behavioural Sciences , which offers a PG Diploma in Psycho-oncology, was established in 2014, and with more than 10 years of experience, it has developed the finest educational system.
• The faculty has a state-of-the-art infrastructure with a cognitive science lab, psychology lab, smart classroom, digital library, etc.
• The university has committed staff with years of industry experience along with eminent academic knowledge.
• SGT University Faculty of Behavioural Sciences curriculum covers various branches of psychology, including clinical, social, developmental, and organizational psychology.
• SGT University actively organizes events that support both students and faculty, offering valuable learning experiences and chances to connect globally. It also encourages collaboration and knowledge-sharing among students, helping them grow personally and work effectively as a team.
• The Faculty of Behavioural Sciences at SGTU also offers the best placement opportunities, with an average of 90% of students being placed. Some of our top tie-ups are Medanta, Apollo, Columbia Asia, UTM, World Brain Center, etc.

Conclusion

We had discussed here in this blog the important aspects of the PG Diploma in Psycho-oncology, and this has made us conclude that it is an intelligent and purposeful career choice to join for those who would really like to contribute to the lives of cancer patients. Therefore, in case you are really eager to start your career in this expanding and highly demanded direction, then SGT University can be most appropriate for you, because here we cultivate the future professionals who are willing to take care, assist, and guide with kindness.

FAQs- Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What is the duration of the PG Diploma in Psycho-oncology at SGT University?

The course duration is 1 year (2 semesters).

Q2. Who can apply for the PG Diploma in Psycho-oncology?

Candidates with a degree in MA/MSc Psychology, BSc Nursing, BAMS, MBBS, or B.Pharma are eligible to apply.

Q3. What career options are available after completing this diploma?

Graduates can work as Psycho-oncologists, Clinical Psychologists (Oncology), Palliative Care Specialists, Health Psychologists, Counselors in hospitals, NGOs, research institutions, or telehealth platforms.

Q4. Is this course recognized in India?

Yes, SGT University is recognized by regulatory bodies like UGC, RCI, NAAC (A+), and several national accreditation boards, ensuring the course's credibility.

Q5. What is the average salary after completing this course?

The salary ranges from ₹3 to ₹6 LPA initially, with experienced professionals earning up to ₹10 LPA or more in senior roles.