“We meet patients where they’re at. Sometimes, just having a safe, confidential space to speak openly without worrying about how it will affect a loved one can be incredibly therapeutic.”
The team, made up of social workers, psychiatrists, psychologists, and other specialists, works closely with clinical oncology staff to support the whole person behind the diagnosis. They help patients process and manage intense emotions, address barriers to accessing treatment such as financial strain and drug coverage needs, and support patients and loved ones through getting back on track after treatment or through end-of-life care.
Dr. Madeline Li, a cancer psychiatrist and researcher, is passionate about reducing the stigma around mental health.
“Cancer is distressing. We expect people to struggle. Psychosocial care shouldn’t be optional — it should be a standard part of treatment, just like surgery or chemotherapy.”
She’s led the implementation of distress screening programs that help identify unmet emotional needs early in the care process.
But with limited resources, the team can’t reach every patient. “The ideal care model is where every patient is proactively seen by a psychosocial clinician,” says Anna Wallwork, another senior social worker. “But we don’t have the capacity to scale that across the board. It means some people go through their entire journey without the support they need, simply because there wasn’t a referral.”
Still, the team goes above and beyond. Valerie Heller, social worker, recalled helping a young leukemia patient fulfill his dream of graduating university before he passed away. “It was a small thing, but it meant everything to him. That’s the kind of impact psychosocial care can have.”
Much of the department’s work, from things like addressing barriers to transportation to helping with anxiety or depression, wouldn’t be possible without donor funding. “Patients are incredibly grateful,” says Anna.
“Donors play a huge role for patients in all stages of the cancer journey.”
For this team, psychosocial oncology isn’t just part of care — it’s a lifeline. And through every moment of fear, hope and healing, they walk beside each patient and Carry The Fire with them.
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