Experts in the Field at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey are Available for Comment on Unique Support for Cancer Patients Newswise — New Brunswick, N.J., February 28, 2012 –According to the National Association of Social Workers there are more than 640,000 social workers throughout the United States. At The Cancer Institute of New Jersey (CINJ), oncology social workers tend to the psychosocial needs of cancer patients and their families. Throughout the month of March, CINJ will join in recognizing that “Social Work Matters,” the national theme for this year’s Social Work Month. CINJ is a Center of Excellence of UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School.
Cancer patients and their families face issues that may include: the emotional impact of the diagnosis, coping with treatment and side-effects; adjusting to changes in the body, relationships and work; making health care decisions and adapting to life after treatment. With the assistance and caring efforts of social workers, patients and families can effectively cope throughout the cancer experience.
At CINJ, social workers provide support that includes educational groups, individual and family counseling, referrals, and important information on stress management, decision making, advance directives, and cost and availability of services.
CINJ is making social workers available to discuss the many aspects of their practice during this month of recognition.
CINJ experts available for comment include:
Barbara Hale, MSW, LCSW, is the manager of the Social Work Department at CINJ and the leader for the Living with Cancer - Patient and Family Support Group. Her many years of experience enable her to discuss strategies on how family members can help loved ones cope with cancer. Ms. Hale provides social work services for Phase I clinical trial patients, as well as patients diagnosed with melanoma or sarcoma. In her practice working with Phase I trial patients, Ms. Hale is often involved in helping patients and family members with decision making regarding treatment and often addresses adjustment issues related to advanced disease. Ms. Hale is able to discuss those topics and can also provide perspective on the topic of cancer-related fatigue.
Brenda Bly, MSW, LCSW, CADC, is social worker at CINJ who has extensive experience working with family members of cancer patients. She can discuss techniques family members can use to cope with the emotional strain of cancer, where they might seek outside help, and ways to perform everyday caregiving with greater ease. Ms. Bly also provides coverage for the gastrointestinal and genitourinary groups at CINJ and can discuss the approaches taken with those who have cancer of the colon, bladder, prostate, kidneys, and other organs of the gastrointestinal and urogenital system.
Deborah Leif, MSW, LCSW, is a social worker at CINJ who assists patients with breast cancer by providing information and guidance about coping with a new diagnosis of breast cancer, living with advanced disease, decision making related to treatment, and adjustment to the diagnosis. Ms. Leif facilitates the Breast Cancer Support Group held at CINJ. She also provides support for bone marrow transplant patients and those with hematologic (blood) malignancies.
Julie Murphy Schehr, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C, is the assistant social work manager at CINJ and the leader of the Gynecologic Support Group in which she provides information on fears and concerns about diagnosis and treatment, and encourages group members to share their tips and techniques on managing the emotional impact of their diagnosis. Ms. Murphy Schehr also co-developed a web-based self-learning program that allows a patient and family members to access the treatment orientation program online and can discuss the importance of such accessibility.
Rosemarie Slirzewski, MSW, LCSW, is a social worker at CINJ who provides support for patients with hematologic (blood) malignancies and those undergoing bone marrow transplants, as well as patients diagnosed with lung cancer. Ms. Slirzewski has an interest in and knowledge of palliative and supportive care for cancer patients. She can speak to the psychosocial aspects of this type of care, including issues related to decision making and preparation of advance directives.
Susan Stephens, LCSW, ACSW, is a pediatric social worker at CINJ who can discuss the emotional, social, and spiritual issues surrounding children living with cancer, and what kind of intervention and support is needed for families to maintain normalcy during such a period. She also can address the unique needs of pediatric cancer survivors, child and adolescent bereavement, and school re-entry during and after treatment.
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