New Frontiers Perspective Proposes Onco-Anxiology: A Longitudinal Framework for Cancer-Related Anxiety

Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, September 21, 2026 pressrelease.in - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE New Frontiers Perspective Proposes Onco-Anxiology as a Longitudinal Framework for Cancer-Related Anxiety Peer-reviewed publication proposes an anxiety-focused approach to understanding and addressing psychological needs throughout the cancer care continuum.

MUMBAI, INDIA — September 19, 2026 A new peer-reviewed Perspective published in Frontiers in Psychology, Section Psycho-Oncology, proposes Onco-Anxiology, an anxiety-focused, longitudinal framework for understanding and addressing cancer-related anxiety. The article, titled "Onco-Anxiology: A Proposal for an Anxiety-Focused, Longitudinal Framework Within Cancer Care," was authored by Dr. Chirag Jain, Director and Head of Oncology Research at Mindful Gurukul Private Limited, Mumbai, India. Published on September 18, 2026, the Perspective examines whether anxiety associated with cancer warrants more specific and continuous clinical attention within established psycho-oncology services.

Understanding Anxiety Throughout the Cancer Journey Anxiety in people affected by cancer can arise at multiple stages, including diagnosis, treatment initiation, chemotherapy, surveillance scans, survivorship and disease recurrence. While psychological distress is an established consideration in oncology care, the Perspective proposes that anxiety-specific assessment may provide additional clinical insights when considered longitudinally. The proposed Onco-Anxiology framework is organised around three central principles: 1. Anxiety-specific targeting: Recognising anxiety as a distinct clinical target within the broader assessment and management of psychological distress in cancer care. 2. Longitudinal assessment: Examining how anxiety may emerge, change, resolve or recur across different stages of the cancer journey. 3. Cancer-specific anxiety mechanisms: Considering anxiety associated with treatment anticipation, cancer-related uncertainty, fear of recurrence, surveillance procedures and other circumstances specific to oncology.

A Framework for Further Scientific Evaluation Onco-Anxiology is proposed as a conceptual framework within psycho-oncology, not as an established medical specialty or a replacement for existing psychological care. The Perspective aims to encourage further investigation into whether anxiety-focused longitudinal approaches can improve the recognition, assessment and management of cancer-related anxiety. It also highlights the need for research examining the clinical value of anxiety-specific assessment alongside established distress-screening approaches. The publication does not report the results of a clinical trial or establish the effectiveness of any particular treatment or medical device.

Encouraging Scientific Discussion The publication invites oncologists, psycho-oncologists, psychiatrists, psychologists, oncology nurses and clinical researchers to examine the proposed framework and identify areas for further research. Future studies will be required to determine whether anxiety-specific longitudinal assessment offers measurable benefits for patients, clinicians and cancer care systems.

About the Author Dr. Chirag Jain is a medical doctor and Director and Head of Oncology Research at Mindful Gurukul Private Limited, Mumbai, India. His academic interests include cancer-related anxiety, longitudinal psychological care, neuroscience and supportive approaches to cancer care. He is the author of the peer-reviewed Perspective proposing Onco-Anxiology as an anxiety-focused, longitudinal framework within psycho-oncology.

Publication Details Article: Onco-Anxiology: A Proposal for an Anxiety-Focused, Longitudinal Framework Within Cancer Care Author: Dr. Chirag Jain Journal: Frontiers in Psychology Section: Psycho-Oncology Article type: Perspective Publication date: September 18, 2026 Volume: 17 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2026.1939608

Media Contact Dr. Chirag Jain Director and Head of Oncology Research Mindful Gurukul Private Limited Mumbai, India Website: https://drchiragonco.com