On-Going Support
Once an oncology social worker completes an assessment, patients will need on-going support during their next steps in treatment. Some patients may not identify many needs, but it is important for an oncology social worker to periodically check in with all patients in case their needs change or new stressors arise.
During an assessment, patients will identify things they need assistance with throughout their treatment process. Some patients will need emotional support due increased anxiety and depression related to their diagnosis, while others may need practical support, such as help with taking time off from work, financial assistance, or transportation needs.
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Oncology social workers need to provide on-going support to patients and their families after the initial assessment. Click on each category below to learn more.
Emotional Support
Social Support
Physical Support
Spiritual Support
Practical Support
Financial Support
Emotional Support
Emotional support is a critical role of oncology social workers. Patients often feel anxious, lonely, overwhelmed, and depressed as a result of a cancer diagnosis. Cancer effects everyone differently, but many patients are surprised and unprepared to receive a cancer diagnosis. Life can be difficult and stressful outside of a diagnosis and a diagnosis leads to more stress, uncertainty, insecurity, and fear.
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A cancer diagnosis can feel all-consuming for a patient and their families, so it is important to treat a patient as a person, not just as a patient with a cancer diagnosis. Checking in with patients about their families, hobbies, and interests is helpful in reminding patients there are many things to celebrate in life and reminding someone their life is so much more than their diagnosis.
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Oncology social workers can provide emotional support in many ways, including:
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Check-ins with patients and family members during appointments and treatments
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Facilitating and referring to support groups
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Connecting with formal, in-going individual therapy and psychiatric services
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Discussing fears related to mortality and death anxiety
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Processing self-image issues as patients go through treatment and experience changes
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Sharing mindfulness and meditation activities, such as this one on YouTube
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Social Support
Connecting patients and families with social supports to increase their sense of community is extremely important during a diagnosis process. A cancer diagnosis can lead to a sense of loneliness and feeling that others cannot relate to what the patient is going through.
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Connecting patients with peer support programs or other patients in similar situations
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Referrals to assist patients' children with grief and loss support
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Referrals to organizations and support groups for family members and caregivers
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Physical Support
Oncology social workers often connect patients with physical supports at home, including:
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Arranging a home health aide or visiting nurse for help at home
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Setting up medical equipment to use at home, such as walkers, commodes, or wheelchairs
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Connecting patients with supplies and services after surgery, such as mastectomy bras and prosthesis and lymphedema sleeves
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Spiritual Support
A cancer diagnosis can sometimes cause people to question their faith or purpose in life. It is not uncommon for a patient to question "why me?" when they receive a diagnosis. Oncology social workers can help patients reconnect with their spirituality and religion by:
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Assisting with arrangements to retreats or events for patients with cancer
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Encouraging patients to connect with the religious or spiritual communities for support
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Praying with or for a patient
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Encouraging a patient participates in journaling, art, music, connecting with nature, yoga, or oncology massages
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Click here for spiritual support resources.
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Practical Support
Oncology social workers are often involved with assisting patients with logistical and practical things that are required to make the patient's treatment possible or easier. These things can include:
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Arranging transportation to and from their medical appointments
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Connecting with childcare services
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Referring to programs that provide food and nutrition services
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Referring to agencies that can assist patients with safe and secure housing
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Taking time off from work for medical leave during treatment
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Financial Support
A cancer diagnosis can result in a huge financial burden for patients and their families. Oncology social workers are often asked to assist with addressing financial issues a patient faces, including:
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Navigating disability options and assisting with applications
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Providing information about insurance coverage options
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Assisting with finding funds for copayments and treatment costs
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Completing applications for financial assistance for household expenses due to loss of income
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