LAUSR

Abstract Cancer diagnosis and treatment often impose a range of social distress on a patient's life at their home, workplace, and community. However, an evaluation and support method based on scientific evidence concerning this social distress has not yet been sufficiently examined, as it is often overlooked even in medical settings. We undertook studies on evaluation methods of social distress experienced by cancer patients and conducted research with outpatients at designated cancer hospitals. Approximately 70% of patients reported experiencing one or more social issues within one month. However, the severity of the issue perceived by the patient and the support needs for said issue did not necessarily correspond. In addition, online survey results with working-age cancer patients as target subjects showed that a higher percentage of younger patients experienced serious social issues, and that there are specific issues in which 30-50% of patients who require support could not consult anyone. Results also revealed that the satisfaction level of support needs being met is high when a patient has someone they can consult other than a family member. These results suggest that many cancer patients experience social distress and need support, but are in a state in which it is difficult to receive the support they desire. Social workers are required not only to provide support to patients and their families who visit the consultation room, but also to carefully perceive their silent needs and respond to them flexibly. To this end, social workers should share their knowledge and clinical experiences with other professionals, collaborating and cooperating with a variety of professionals, in order to develop and deliver diverse support approaches that are acceptable for cancer patients.