The environment we oncology social workers work in has become increasingly stressful, much of the infrastructure to nourish our professional selves has faded, and we are asked to be ever more innovative, doing more with less. We have played a major role in defining standards for measuring the levels of distress in our patients. What …
I picked up the book Zen Cancer Wisdom: Tips for Making Each Day Better by Daju Suzanne Friedman (2014). I was searching for a new perspective on psychosocial oncology that might be of assistance to the clients with whom I work. I discovered a book that is not only helpful for those with a cancer diagnosis, but …
Zen and the Art of Psychosocial-Oncology Caregiving Read More »
When Your Life is Touched by Cancer, by author Bob Riter, is a publication that promises guidance to oncology patients, family members and professional caregivers. There are similar books available, but this 132-page gem has much to set it apart from the others.
Kelly Turner embarked upon this book when she was moved by the anecdotal stories of patients who overcame their serious cancer diagnoses, which they were not statistically expected to survive. A social worker by education and training, she initially worked in the field of psycho-oncology before returning to school to pursue her PhD and the …
Book Review: Radical Remission – Surviving Cancer Against All Odds Read More »
This book is an extremely thorough manual to help anyone understand the diagnosis, treatment and many emotional effects of childhood brain and spinal cord tumors.
The AOSW Navigator Book & Film Reviews column has dedicated 2016 and early 2017 to reviewing the inaugural Handbook of Oncology Social Work: Psychosocial Care for People with Cancer. This is an exceptional publication that has already become a “go-to” resource for oncology social workers across the globe. More than 20 AOSW members have and will participate in …
I felt compelled to approach my review for this well organized and highly informative book as both an oncology social worker and a parent. Although I serve an adult oncology population, I am familiar enough with the overarching medical and psychosocial aspects of oncology care to say this is one of the most well-crafted, honest …
“Childhood Cancer: A Parent’s Guide to Solid Tumors,” by Anne Spurgeon and Nancy Keene Read More »
On Feb 1, 2014, Dr. Jeffrey Piehler‘s article, “Ashes to Ashes, but First a Nice Pine Box,” was published online in The New York Times. The subsequent film, “patient, a surgeon’s journey,” was inspired by Piehler’s message, “No one wants to talk about dying, but everyone wants to talk about dying.”
Dr. Theodora Ross shares and explores the scientific and human nuances, challenges and hopes in the world of cancer genetics. An oncologist, Ross was diagnosed with melanoma and learned she has a hereditary cancer mutation. She weaves her personal experience to accentuate the rich content and information that can benefit patients, family and professional caregivers …
Book Review: “A Cancer in the Family,” by Theodora Ross, MD, PhD Read More »
Not enough inclusive materials have been written and presented about the unique issues LGBTQ face in the health care system, and there are no specific or standard practice guidelines. This book is written for a variety of practitioners, and specifically focuses on an inclusive approach to working with LGBTQ patients and their significant others in …