2024 Psychosocial Oncology Professionals Symposium
October 9 -10
Join us as Cancer Support Community (CSC) hosts its third-annual Psychosocial Oncology Professionals Symposium (POPS)! This virtual event is open to all mental health and medical oncology professionals, including community oncologists, nurses, nurse practitioners, advanced practice practitioners, physicians, physician assistants, navigators, psychologists, counselors, and social workers. While POPS 2024 is designed for licensed oncology professionals, professionals from all backgrounds are welcome to attend.
In support of improving patient care, this activity has been planned and implemented by PRIME Education (PRIME®) and Cancer Support Community. PRIME® is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) to provide continuing education for the healthcare team. This activity was planned by and for the healthcare team, and learners will receive 8.0 Interprofessional Continuing Education (IPCE) credits for learning and change.
This activity has been approved for continuing education credit for nurses, physicians, physician assistants, psychologists and social workers. See the final CE activity announcement for specific details.
We have created this justification letter that you can use to request time off from work to attend the symposium and ask for conference stipends from your employer. Simply download the document and personalize it for your use!
Did you know that we have 190 Cancer Support Community and Gilda’s Club locations throughout the United States, in Canada, and abroad?
At CSC, we provide many free programs and services for cancer patients, caregivers, and loved ones. We know it can be a lot to explore.
As part of CSC, you are joining a community of patients, caregivers, and relentless advocates working to make sure that anyone impacted by cancer gets the support they want and need throughout their experience.
Our mission is to uplift and strengthen people impacted by cancer. Whether you are facing a diagnosis, navigating life after treatment, or helping someone through this life-changing disease, there’s a place for you at CSC.
Our story started 40 years ago with a mission to transform the way our culture faces cancer. Today, we are a global network of CSC and Gilda’s Club centers that provide personalized cancer support, all free of charge.
Find your community with us:
In-person Support – We have 190 locations worldwide with a variety of professionally led programs designed to assist patients, family members, friends, loved ones, and caregivers.
Online Connection – Easily connect to your friends and family and others like you to reduce stress, anxiety, and isolation.
Cancer Advocacy – Join our Grassroots Network and make your voice heard at the local and national level to policymakers.
Here’s a short guide to CSC resources you might find useful now or down the road:
Cancer Support Helpline – Our trained professionals provide free navigation for anyone impacted by cancer. Contact our Helpline toll-free at 888-793-9355 or online via our live chat service.
Education & Inspiration – Discover articles, videos, podcasts, and more to help you learn about cancer and find encouragement.
Coping Strategies – Find healthy coping tips and resources to support you or your loved one after a cancer diagnosis.
Virtual Programs – Explore our curated resources, including healthy recipes and meditation videos, to enhance your well-being from the comfort of your computer, tablet, or phone.
With my cancer diagnosis,
one of the most significant gifts
has been the unconditional support
extended to me by friends and family.
We all need our ecosystem to cheer for us.
― Brinda
Discover More Words of Hope & Inspiration
There is something for every age group and life situation, from support groups to fitness classes, cooking classes, and educational workshops — all offered at no cost to anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis.
As the largest professionally led nonprofit network of cancer support worldwide, the Cancer Support Community (CSC) is dedicated to ensuring that all people impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and sustained by community. CSC achieves its mission through three areas: direct service delivery, research, and advocacy.
The organization includes an international network of Affiliates that offer the highest quality social and emotional support for people impacted by cancer, as well as a community of support available online and over the phone. The Research and Training Institute conducts cutting-edge psychosocial, behavioral and survivorship research. CSC furthers its focus on patient advocacy through its Cancer Policy Institute, informing public policy in Washington, D.C. and across the nation.
Cancer Support Community is a national organization that supports the needs of the cancer community. Attend support groups, educational sessions, health and wellness programs as well as find support, hope and community. Our programs are free of charge to anyone affected by cancer, including patients, caregivers, loved ones and children.
We are thrilled to announce the launch of The Bear Fund, which will allow CSC to provide free support and navigation services for any family with a child diagnosed with cancer. The fund was inspired by the resiliency of Nick and Heather Baker’s youngest child Barrett “Bear” who was diagnosed with rare liver cancer hepatoblastoma and is currently in remission. Thank you to the Baker family for inviting us to partner with them in this important work and helping families “Fight Cancer Like a Bear.”
Call (833) 506-2290 to speak to a Pediatric Navigator today.
Cancer impacts all aspects of a patient’s life. Patients and their families may experience psychological distress, financial loss, career changes, relationship issues, and even spiritual crises. Not addressing these issues and focusing solely on medical treatments will affect a patient’s ability to fight the disease and have a high quality of life.
Support services to address these issues have been recognized as vital by leading organizations, including the National Cancer Institute, the Oncology Nursing Society, and the Association of Oncology Social Workers. Research has shown that support services help to reduce depression, stress, and anxiety, facilitate sound sleep, manage side effects, decrease pain and nausea, and increase adherence to medical treatments.
Unfortunately, most cancer patients and their families do not receive comprehensive psychosocial and practical support. A recent survey from the National Coalition for Cancer Survivorship showed that while most cancer patients say they discussed “what to expect post-treatment with their provider,” far fewer received information about “exercise and nutrition, long-term side effects, or mental health support.”
Cancer Support Community was established to support people facing cancer in our community and provides comprehensive integrative care, including counseling, support groups, nutrition, exercise, and patient education programs. These free services enable cancer patients to effectively manage their treatment and recovery, increase their chances for survival, reduce their chances of recurrence, and provide for the highest possible quality of life.
Working together with their healthcare team and non-profit organizations like Cancer Support Community, cancer patients and their families should expect and receive critical support services so they can become healthier, live longer, and live better.
5 Ways Oncology Social Workers Can Help After a Cancer Diagnosis
Oncology social workers can help you address a variety of questions, concerns, and challenges. Some of the challenges they can help address might surprise you.
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can feel like you have landed in uncharted territory with no map or GPS to guide you. Many patients might not realize that oncology social workers are a resource to whom they can turn. They can be a helpful guide throughout someone’s entire cancer experience.
Oncology social workers are trained to identify social and emotional needs and provide services to meet them. Often, they are a key member of cancer care teams.
“It is important to ask, in the beginning, ‘Who is on my care team, and who is there to advocate for me?’” says CSC’s Senior Director of Education and Program, Rachel Saks, MSS, LSW, OSW-C. Prior to joining CSC, Rachel led a team of oncology professionals to provide comprehensive treatment, navigation, and assistance to cancer patients and their families. In recognition of National Social Work Month, we talked with Rachel about some key ways oncology social workers can provide support after a cancer diagnosis.
READ!
The Cancer Support Helpline is staffed by professional counselors and oncology resource specialists who are experienced in helping people with cancer and their caregivers. They are available to provide emotional support as well as information about living with cancer and referrals to local, regional and national resources. Our counselors and resource specialists can be reached by phone or live chat from Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
All of our services are available in English and Spanish.
Contact us today! You don’t have to face cancer alone. Give us a Call at 1-888-793-9355.
My LifeLine is a service to easily connect you with friends and family to regain control and receive social, emotional, and practical support throughout your cancer journey. Research shows that support and emotional connections benefit cancer treatment. Allow your community to provide encouragement, inspiration, and hope. Join over 200,000 already registered cancer patients, caregivers, and their family and friends!
With My LifeLine, you can ensure the right people have access to volunteer to help you. You have a toll-free number and online chat service for emotional support and guidance by a licensed counselor. The calendar helps coordinate volunteers to help with meals, rides to treatments, errands, child care, pet care, and more. Share photos of your life with family and friends. And you can find your local Cancer Support Community or Gilda’s Club for free in-person support for you and your family.
Visit our website to find a location near you and find education workshops, support groups, classes, and more wherever you are!
About 2 million people will be diagnosed with cancer in the U.S. this year. Among those cases, about 15,000 will be children and adolescents. They will join more than 18 million cancer survivors living in the U.S. today.
The Cancer Support Community is a relentless ally for anyone who is striving to manage the realities of this disruptive disease.
When we rely on others to enact change that we want to see,
we possess no agency in seeing those changes implemented.
Your perspective and participation matter.
Maria, cancer advocate
Will you join our advocacy efforts and stand up for people impacted by cancer?
Every person deserves access to quality and affordable care. Join us in advocating to improve lives and increase care coverage for patients, survivors, caregivers, and vulnerable populations. Together, we can make our voices heard.
Take Action: Help Protect Healthcare for All
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