Surviving cancer is all about psychosocial support

This National Cancer Survivors Day is all about support and dealing with the emotional effects of being diagnosed with cancer.

The day takes place annually on the first Sunday of June and this year marks the 30th National Cancer Survivors Day.

The day is a celebration for all those who have fought the good fight and won.

Being diagnosed with cancer not only has medical implications but emotional and psychosocial effects as well, which is why additional support is needed such as that of an oncology social worker.

“I think the most important thing that any oncology social worker does is to determine the distress factors that patients and their families are experiencing right from diagnosis to whichever stage of treatment they are at,” said Linda Greeff, a Cancercare oncology social worker.

Oncology social workers help construct a safe space for cancer patients to unpack their fear and anxiety, helping them to understand each stage and aspect of being diagnosed. These social workers interpret information provided by doctors as well to relieve additional stress.

“We assist healing on a psychosocial level and also provide information about helpful resources.”

For Greeff, the role of an oncology social worker is to provide support and guidance so that patients can make the right decisions and cope with cancer.

Oncology social workers are trained for therapeutical work and many have masters degrees in either medical or clinical social work. They follow a patient-centred care model and their primary goal is to make the cancer journey as comfortable and empowering as possible.

“It is a challenging career but an immensely rewarding one.”