Galway Bay fm newsroom - Cancer Care West has reported a 67% increase in the number of psychological counselling appointments provided last year.
The West of Ireland cancer charity provided 4,254 psychological counselling appointments in 2020 compared to 2,551 in 2019.
This is in addition to the other supports provided such as oncology nurse advice and physiotherapy services.
The charity has also reported that the volume of calls in January from anxious patients looking for advice and information is also increasing.
The group says this is driven by the prevalence of the virus but also by the continuing need for patients to engage with their treatment plans despite the risks and obstacles.
Dr. Helen Greally, Director of Psychology and Cancer Support Services, Cancer Care West Galway says that for cancer patients the stress of needing to isolate to keep safe is compounded by the need to access their treatments and therapies.
