Evolving Role of Psychosocial Oncology in Regional Canadian Cancer Center

Abstract

Everyone’s cancer experience is different and adjusting to life after treatment can also vary among survivors. A diagnosis of cancer in itself, raises many questions which impact the patient and their families. In addition to treatment patients receive under their oncologists there is a team of knowledgeable professionals available to help patients and families cope with the physical and emotional aspect of dealing with cancer. We evaluated the role of such individuals in our regional cancer center and found that they play a significant role in making the lives of our patients and their families better. Social workers provide a wide range of services including psychosocial assessment with action plan, education and counseling intervention. Information and referral linkage to resources and services in the community, along with transition planning are an important aspects of their responsibility. All services are provided from a psychosocial perspective to maximize a patient's potential for treatment while enhancing