Dr. Guy Pelletier is a clinical health psychologist who has been with the Department of Psychosocial and Rehabilitation Oncology at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre (TBCC) since 1991. Dr. Pelletier works as a clinician, an educator, and a researcher who has published on issues related to mental health and quality of life in cancer patients. He is also a co-chair of the clinical ethics committee for Cancer Care Alberta and a member of the Health Research Ethics Board of Alberta.
Pelletier, Guy
Psychosocial Oncology
Adjunct Associate Professor
PhD, R.Psych
Biography
Area of Focus
- Quality of life in cancer patients (cancer related cognitive impairment, identity)
Summary of Research
Currently, Dr. Pelletier conducts research in two separate areas: cancer related cognitive impairment (CRCI) and identity and cancer. In the domain of cognitive impairment, Dr. Pelletier and a colleague are starting a project on CRCI in young adults with non-CNS cancers. This will be a retrospective survey (chart review) of the responses given by young adult to a screening for distress questionnaire that is usually completed at each patient visit. The goals of the study are to determine the prevalence of memory/concentration problems in that population over a period of two years and to examine the extent to which memory/concentration problems might be related to reports of anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and work problems. The study has received ethical approval and will start as soon as preparations are complete. In the domain of identity and cancer, Dr. Pelletier is currently finishing a paper on identity processing styles and quality of life in head and neck cancer patients. The study consisted in identifying the type of identity processing styles used by these patients and their relationship to quality of life, anxiety, depression, body image, and the patients’ perceptions of positive and negative impact of the disease. The clinical implications of these issues will be considered and may lead to further research.
Area Of Focus
- Quality of life in cancer patients (cancer related cognitive impairment, identity)
Summary Of Research
Currently, Dr. Pelletier conducts research in two separate areas: cancer related cognitive impairment (CRCI) and identity and cancer. In the domain of cognitive impairment, Dr. Pelletier and a colleague are starting a project on CRCI in young adults with non-CNS cancers. This will be a retrospective survey (chart review) of the responses given by young adult to a screening for distress questionnaire that is usually completed at each patient visit. The goals of the study are to determine the prevalence of memory/concentration problems in that population over a period of two years and to examine the extent to which memory/concentration problems might be related to reports of anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and work problems. The study has received ethical approval and will start as soon as preparations are complete. In the domain of identity and cancer, Dr. Pelletier is currently finishing a paper on identity processing styles and quality of life in head and neck cancer patients. The study consisted in identifying the type of identity processing styles used by these patients and their relationship to quality of life, anxiety, depression, body image, and the patients’ perceptions of positive and negative impact of the disease. The clinical implications of these issues will be considered and may lead to further research.