Social Worker Guidance & Support to Cancer Patients in the USA & Slovakia

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to highlight the importance of social, psychological, spiritual care to cancer patients, cancer survivors and caregivers provided by Social Workers. Cancer is a very important issue in our society and statistics of population affected by this illness are constantly growing. According to American Cancer Society (2018) in the USA, there will be an estimated 1,735,350 new cancer cases and 609,640 cancer deaths. The holistic point of view of oncological patients is very important. In the USA, Oncology Social Workers who are a part of a multidisciplinary team provide social, psychological and sometimes spiritual help. In Slovakia non-governmental help is essential. Nevertheless, there is a small amount of help and support that Social Workers provide to cancer patients, survivors, caregivers.