Social Workers in Cancer Care (including Palliative Care) assist withpsychosocial problems associated with the diagnosis, treatment and management of a cancer.

They are available to assist the patient, their family and carers and those who offer support.

Social Workers focus in on those who are living with a cancer and the expertise includes:

• Assessment for psychosocial difficulties and distress.
• Providing emotional support for patients and their families. (This includes counselling where required.)
• Giving advice about how to dealing with the impact of cancer.
• Assessment for health related benefits and grants.
• Assisting with solving practical problems.
• Providing information about help and support available in the local community where people live.
• Arranging services to help during treatment.
• Involved in planning discharge from hospital.
• Advice to help people adjust to living with cancer.