Social workers are available to counsel and support patients and their caregivers from diagnosis through treatment, as well as in crisis situations. Our social workers also help patients with practical matters, such as finding temporary housing near the Cancer Center or arranging transportation to and from medical appointments.  For a referral to a UC Davis Cancer Center social worker, please talk to your nurse or doctor or call (916) 734-8299. Social workers are available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except holidays.

If you have cancer, psychosocial counseling may help you to confront your fears, take charge of your treatment and live your life to the fullest. Counseling can help patients:

• stay involved in the duties and pleasures of daily life



• conserve energy during treatment cycles



• learn to say "no" to activities that drain energy, without feeling guilty about it



• return to work if possible



• make plans for the future

Fear, anxiety, sadness and loneliness may be common reactions to a cancer diagnosis. But so is a feeling of hope. There are many reasons to feel hopeful:

• Cancer treatment can be successful. More than 10 million Americans who have had cancer are alive today.
  
  
• People with cancer can lead active lives, even during treatment.
  
  
• The chances of living with - and living beyond - cancer are better now than they have ever been before. People often live for many years after their cancer treatment is over.

While no one is cheerful all the time, hope can be a normal and positive part of the cancer experience. Psychosocial counseling can help patients find reasons for hope.