Social work interventions with a client diagnosed with Rectal Cancer – a case study

Abstract

Cancer patients face a lot of psychological and social problems apart from physical problems from the time of diagnosis. The problems arise out of biological, psychological and situational factors affects the quality of life (QOL) of a cancer patient which requires cancer care.  Cancer care is a multidisciplinary approach, is a teamwork which involves oncologists, oncology nurses, and social workers, etc., Social work in oncology settings is an essential component of comprehensive cancer care dealing with psychosocial, emotional and economical aspects of cancer.  The present paper examines the empirical evidence and illustrates an evidence-based case study, of an unmarried adult male detected with carcinoma rectum with a permanent colostomy and social work interventions at pre, during and post-treatment and client's quality of life. Keywords: Social Worker, Cancer, Quality of life, Social work Interventions