Social workers can help you cope with cancer and support you as you deal with the psychological or social concerns you face through diagnosis, treatment, and remission. You and your family may react to a cancer diagnosis in a variety of ways—it is normal to feel worried, sad, angry, isolated, anxious, or even to feel a loss of control over your health and your life. A cancer diagnosis can mean increased distress and concern.
When distress becomes extreme, it can impact your health, relationships, and emotional well-being as well as your daily activities. Early identification of emotional distress, and appropriate referrals and support to address concerns can help improve your ability to cope, your cognitive and emotional health, and your overall quality of life.
Oncology social workers provide support, resources, and community referrals to deal with practical concerns such as work arrangements, financial or insurance issues, transportation, communication with family, advanced directives and end-of-life planning, and bereavement. They are also trained to provide short-term counseling to help individuals and families ease distress, and to help manage emotional issues that may arise during cancer treatment.
Counseling services may include:
- Adjustment to diagnosis and treatment
- Coping with life changes and challenges
- Advanced care planning
- Crisis intervention
- Grief, loss, and bereavement
- Relaxation and mindfulness
- Couples and family counseling
- Sexuality and intimacy
- Talking with children and teens of individuals with cancer
- Support groups