Book Review: Handbook of Oncology Social Work: Psychosocial Care for People with Cancer

Abstract

The inaugural Handbook of oncology social work: psychosocial care for people with cancer, edited by Grace Christ, DSW/PhD; Carolyn Messner, DSW; and Lynn Behar, PhD, published by the Oxford University Press (OUP) in February 2015, is not just for social workers, it is a must read for all oncology practitioners. As a nurse, cancer educator, and researcher, I discovered numerous easily accessible psychosocial gems to support holistic care along the cancer continuum, or perhaps more importantly, as a friend, family member, and caregiver of people diagnosed with cancer, there are valuable insights that emerge throughout the handbook from the lens of people living with cancer, their caregivers, and practitioners. According to Carolyn Messner, DSW, one of the three editors and a chapter author, this foundational handbook was written to provide a repository for the breadth and scope of oncology social workers’ clinical practice, education, research, policy, and program leadership in the psychosocial care of people with cancer and their families and has been very well received by people practicing within diverse disciplines. This extensive handbook is well organized to accommodate focused inquiry. Information is presented in 108 diverse topic areas plus an epilogue which are organized into 19 sections written by 160 experts. Authors span professions including social workers, oncology nurses, physicians, chaplains, lawyers, and psychologists, all essential to recognize interprofessional expertise and collegial work, vital to provide comprehensive psychosocial care to patients, their caregivers, and the bereaved. Each of the 19 sections begins with an accompanying 1to 2-page overview. This introductory format is extended by highlighting key concepts and salient ideas at the beginning of each chapter. Additionally, there is a 22page index which is a robust navigation tool. However, the devoted reader may choose to savor the knowledge and understandings that unfold throughout the 813 pages. Light a fire in the fireplace, sip a cup of warm tea, and get comfortable for an insightful read. Many of us grapple in our personal relationships and professional experiences with how to effectively address the psychosocial needs of patients and their families experiencing cancer. The coverage of applicable content is extensive. The major psychosocial topics include the following: cancer across the continuum of care; survivorship; site-specific cancers; distress screening; research; quality of life; genetics; sociocultural and economic diversity; assessment and interventions with adults living with cancer, their families, and caregivers; parental cancer; children and adolescents; pediatrics; adult life-span issues; loss, grief, and bereavement; patientand family-centered care; legal and ethical issues; care coordination; technology-integrated interventions; professional development and education; and building resilience in interprofessional settings. Section III entitled BPsychosocial challenges of site-specific cancers^ includes insight from a cancer survivor’s perspective of living with a rare cancer, how to support men challenged with prostate cancer, needs of patients experiencing hematologic cancers, as well as the unique fears and challenges when a person’s cancer returns. Another section invites the reader to consider sociocultural and economic diversity and offers ways to improve access and health outcomes. Population-specific considerations include chapters to respectfully acknowledge and support diverse peoples diagnosed with cancer and their families such as immigrants, political refugees, and patients seeking asylum who have cancer; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals with cancer; indigenous peoples; and African * Melany Cueva mcueva@anthc.org