The Value of Oncology Social Workers

Cancer brings on many emotional and physical challenges. Oncology social workers help people with cancer and their caregivers in many beneficial ways. This fact sheet will discuss:

• What an Oncology Social Worker Does
• Practical Concerns
• Emotional Support

What Is an Oncology Social Worker?

Oncology social workers are licensed professionals who counsel people with cancer and their loved ones. They specialize in oncology, which is everything related to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Your treatment team may recommend an oncology social worker. CancerCare has many on staff available to help in many ways, free of charge. Visit www.cancercare.org or call 800-813-HOPE (4673).

Coping With Practical Concerns

Cancer treatment and costs can be overwhelming. Simply getting organized can be a challenge. Oncology social workers can help you:

Understand your diagnosis and treatment options. An oncology social worker can help you understand your cancer and treatment plan and communicate better with your health care team.

Find co-payment and other financial assistance. Out-of-pocket expenses such as co-pays for medications can add up very quickly. An oncology social worker can help find financial help.

Coordinate caretaking tasks and other duties. While you focus on cancer and its treatment, the many other responsibilities can be hard to handle. Oncology social workers can help.

Providing Emotional Support

A cancer diagnosis can have a tremendous impact on you emotionally. It can help to have someone locate and inform you about possible resources.

• Counseling. Stress and anxiety while coping with cancer is common. Your body may also react differently to certain foods or feel tired more often. Counseling provides a safe space to discuss these changes.

• Resource Navigation. It can be overwhelming to find the assistance you need after a diagnosis. An oncology social worker will work with you to identify your needs and help you address them. Free resource navigation is available nationally by telephone through CancerCare.

• Support groups. Oncology social workers can help you find support groups, where you can connect with others sharing your experience. CancerCare offers many online support groups throughout the year.

• Community programs. CancerCare offers virtual, interactive programming to engage clients, families and loved ones affected by cancer across the country. In-person community programming is also available in New York and New Jersey.

The many services CancerCare offers are available for free. Contact one of our oncology social workers by calling 800-813-HOPE (4673) or learn more at www.cancercare.org.