Social Work and Breast Cancer Care

Abstract

Whatever the specifics of the case, a diagnosis of breast cancer is a crisis for every woman. For almost every new patient, the word “cancer” is instinctively and immediately paired with “death.” As the facts become clear, and a treatment plan evolves, the initial terror and grief diminish. However, the first days and weeks after diagnosis, likely to be supervised by a surgeon, are usually the most psychologically difficult of the entire treatment experience. Increasingly, there is an awareness of the need to address women’s psychosocial, psychological, and sexual issues that are affected by a breast cancer diagnosis. Women feel most comfortable with surgeons who demonstrate not only technical skill, but also human empathy and appreciation for the stress of the diagnosis. Comprehensive breast cancer care means understanding your patient’s trauma, enlisting the support and assistance of an interdisciplinary team, and attending to the emotional as well as the physical components of the diagnosis. The social worker can play a key role as a team member supporting the patient.