Professional Support Team

Oncology Social Work 101

by Maryanne Tierney, LCSW

 

Cancer diagnosis and treatment affects a person’s physical, psychological, social, and functional status. The diagnosis can cause a variety of emotions: fear, pain, stress, a loss of freedom. The oncology social worker can ensure that survivors receive appropriate services with the hope that many will experience improvement in functional ability, health status, and quality of life.

Building Your Professional Support Team

Most cancer patients have a treatment team of health providers who work together to help them. In addition to doctors and nurses, this team may include social workers, pharmacists, dietitians, and other people in health care. Chances are that you will never see all these people at the same time. In fact, there may be health providers on your team who you never meet.

What Can a Patient Navigator Do for You?

by Brenda Wilcox, RN, BSN, OCN

A sea of questions without answers. A flood of seemingly endless information. A maze of medical confusion. In an instant, a cancer diagnosis can turn your world upside down. When the crisis is at its worst, it is the gentle, calming reassurance of the patient navigator that comes alongside to offer guidance and support to those in need at a time when fear and confusion can blind the way.