CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, Vol 8, 131-134, Copyright
© 1958 by American Cancer Society
Social Service and the Cancer Patient
Janet Wien M.S.S.W.1
1 Director, Social Service Department, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, N. C.
We found that fifty patients with cancer who were referred to the Social Service Department of Duke University Medical Center had many problems with which the social worker could help. Most of these problems did not differ from those found in any group of patients with a long-term illness. Although usually referred for only one reason, the patients often had worries in several areas. Those seen most frequenly were financial worries, family relationship problems and emotional disturbances. The financial problems included not only the cost of long-term medical care but also the loss of income during illness and its effect on the family. We also found that although the economic problem was a real one, it was often accompanied by other problems more difficult to face.
Families of patients were able to use the social worker's help in understanding the patient's illness and in helping the patient to adjust to his diagnosis. Family relationships played an important part in determining whether the patient would receive terminal care within or outside the home. Finally, the patient's reaction to his illness and his adjustment to the diagnosis and recommendations were problems not always recognized by him but were apparent to the skillful social worker. By understanding what the illness means to the patient, how it affects him and his family and the defenses he uses, the social worker can determine whether the patient is able to use help toward making a more satisfying adjustment. Only the social worker who has analyzed her own feelings about cancer can really help the cancer patient effectively.
All patients with cancer who have social or emotional problems should be evaluated from the economic, family and psychological points of view.
