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CancerCare’s staff of professional oncology social workers provide emotional and practical support to thousands of individuals and families during one of the most challenging and overwhelming times in their lives. In honor of National Social Work Month, we’re shining a light on the extraordinary relationship between an oncology social worker and those affected by cancer.

Laurence, 64, is an architect, an artist, and also a prostate cancer survivor. The diagnosis at age 61 came as a huge surprise. “The news came via telephone, which was sort of a shock. I picked up the phone and was told by my doctor, ‘you have cancer’.”

I have been in the helping profession for a long time as an educator, volunteer outreach program director, interfaith minister, non-profit administrator and chaplain. During the aftermath of 9/11, I served as a volunteer chaplain helping families and survivors in crisis.

Rasheen noticed a suspicious lump after having difficulties breastfeeding her youngest son, Abraham. In 2009, the mother of five was diagnosed with advanced breast cancer. “I was only 38 and didn’t think it was anything at first. It turned into an ultrasound, a biopsy, then an MRI and then a mastectomy,” remembers Rasheen.

CancerCare CEO and cancer survivor Patricia J. Goldsmith will lead the webinar “Cancer in the Workplace: What Every CEO Should Know” on February 5, 2015 at 1PM EST. The presentation will look at how employers can support their employees affected by cancer while improving their bottom line.

CancerCare social workers were recently honored for their contributions to the field of social work. Learn more about the oncology social workers at CancerCare who are making a difference in the lives of people affected by cancer.

Palliative care is specialized medical treatment that focuses on providing patients with relief from the symptoms, pain, and stress of a serious illness. Traditionally, palliative care has been accessed only toward the end of life. Many recent studies however, have shown that introducing it earlier into cancer patients’ care plans results in improved quality of life, living longer and lower medical costs.

CVS Caremark, the nation’s second-largest drugstore chain, recently announced the decision to stop selling cigarettes and other tobacco products in their stores by October. The company predicts this change will drastically cut sales by an estimated $2 billion annually, but will further their mission of serving as a health care-focused retailer.