Pediatric Oncology Social Work | UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center

When Your Child Has Cancer: Support for the Whole Family

A child's life-threatening illness, like cancer, impacts everyone in the family. Dealing with diagnosis, treatment, and beyond can be overwhelming. That's where pediatric social workers come in.

How Pediatric Social Workers Can Help:

• Navigating the emotional rollercoaster: They provide support through every phase of your child's cancer journey.
• Finding resources: They connect you with practical resources and financial help.
• Support for the whole family: They offer counseling and guidance for parents, siblings, and other family members.

UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center: Specialized Support

Our Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSWs) are experts in helping children and families cope with cancer. They understand the unique challenges and provide age-appropriate support.

Pediatric Social Workers Provide:

• Psychosocial assessments and care planning to address cancer-related emotional, social, and practical concerns.
• Short-term counseling to help patients and their families adjust to diagnosis and treatment.
• Stress reduction and relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety.
• Facilitation of family discussions about the impact cancer has on the whole family.
• Assistance with advocating and communicating concerns or needs
• Support with end-of-treatment transition and survivorship concerns
• Specialized supportive services for adolescent and young adult cancer patients

For more resources, please visit the Patient and Family Learning Center