Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing in Cancer

Abstract

Cancer is a serious disease resulting from uncontrolled proliferation and spread of cells. According to World Health Organization (WHO) data, approximately 12 million new cancer cases are diagnosed annually, with the number of deaths expressed in millions. However, significant progress can be made in the fight against cancer with timely and appropriate intervention. Cancer patients may develop various psychological responses during different stages of their illness. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is a therapeutic approach that processes traumatic memories and improves psychological health. EMDR’s eight-phase treatment process is based on the adaptive information processing model and helps individuals view traumatic events from a new perspective, becoming emotionally desensitized. This chapter discusses EMDR’s role in the fight against cancer.