Psycho-oncologist joins WVU Cancer Institute

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. – Kaleena Chilcote, M.D., psycho-oncologist, will join the WVU Cancer Institute this week. She will focus on the mental health of patients as they go through cancer treatment.
 

Cancer is often the worst diagnosis patients will receive, and it presents many difficult challenges. By addressing the patients’ mental health while they are undergoing treatment, psycho-oncologists are able to help create better patient outcomes.

“People who have cancer have high rates of depression and anxiety, as well as challenges with physical symptoms, such as pain, cognitive changes, and difficulty with sleep and appetite, all of which can impact to one’s sense of well-being,” Dr. Chilcote said. “Mental health providers can provide support and help address these issues while working closely with the oncology teams.”
 
Chilcote comes to the WVU Cancer Institute from the Center for Counseling and Cancer Support at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, where she was the medical director for the division of psycho-oncology. She completed fellowships in consultation-liaison psychiatry at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital and in psychosocial oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.
 
“I’m excited about the potential of this program and impressed by the mission-driven mindset of the WVU Cancer Institute,” Chilcote said. “I look forward to being a part of comprehensive cancer care for the people of West Virginia.”