Oncology Social Work Practice in the Care of Breast and Ovarian Cancer Survivors

Quality cancer care necessitates a multidisciplinary team approach that allows survivors to access experts other than physicians before, during, and after treatment. Oncology social workers are in a unique position to be a key member of the treatment team and play a fundamental role in assisting in the psychosocial care and advocacy role for cancer survivors. As one of the largest allied health professions in the U.S., social workers are a primary provider of psychosocial interventions and services intended to facilitate treatment of cancer. Oncology social workers are an important member of the cancer treatment team, and they deal with a multitude of complex issues facing cancer patients and their families. The purpose of this book is to provide a guide for social workers and related fields in understanding the issues surrounding a diagnosis of breast and ovarian cancer and providing services to breast and ovarian cancer patients and their families. In addition to the physical suffering experienced by women diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer, there is considerable emotional suffering for these women and their families. This book addresses the broad issues of breast and ovarian cancer from a social work perspective, and covers a range of topics, such as, managed care, minority patients with breast and ovarian cancer, younger women with breast and ovarian cancer, children and families, evidence based interventions, advocacy, spirituality, technology and internet, professional development, and professional challenges.