- Types of Cancer
- Find a Physician by Specialty
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Cancer Treatment Information
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Chemotherapy
- Side Effects of Chemotherapy
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Anemia
- Mouth Care
- Skin and Nail Care
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Nausea/Vomiting
- Pain
- Hair Loss
- Fatigue
- Peripheral Nervous System Changes
- Loss of Appetite
- Taste and Smell Changes
- Weight Loss
- Chemotherapy and Nutrition
- Increasing Calorie Intake
- Food Safety
- Chemotherapy and Menopause
- Interventional Oncology
- Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC)
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Chemotherapy
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- Lifespan Cancer Institute and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Cancer Program Annual Reports
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- Cancer Symptoms Not to Ignore
- The Lifespan Cancer Institute In the News
- Giving to the Lifespan Cancer Institute
Clinical Social Work
Caring for Cancer Patients and Families
Our fully trained and licensed social workers are here to offer patients guidance on how to talk to family members, employers and children about their treatment at the Lifespan Cancer Institute.

Clinical social workers are important members of the health care team. Just as physicians are trained in medicine, social workers specialize in providing emotional support and guidance. Social workers are licensed mental health professionals who have earned a master's degree in social work. Oncology social workers focus on counseling cancer patients and their families and have received specialized training regarding the impact of cancer on your everyday life.
Our staff is here to facilitate communication between patients and their treatment team, help patients and families navigate the health care system, guide families through difficult decisions and teach effective coping strategies.
Our experts are knowledgeable about the many resources available to patients and their families and can offer assistance and referrals for other services such as:
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Transportation
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Patient prescription programs
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Community resources
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Support groups
Requesting a Social Worker: We're Here For You
After receiving a cancer diagnosis, people often feel worried, afraid, angry, confused or anxious about the future. Patients, spouses and families may have practical concerns, such as health care coverage, work absences, or arranging travel to and from treatments. Social workers at the Lifespan Cancer Institute are available to patients and their families and offer support and practical guidance at every stage of treatment. Social workers are skilled in grief and bereavement counseling and can assist with end-of-life decisions and care.
Patients at the Lifespan Cancer Institute can request a meeting with a social worker either through their doctor or nurse or by calling our central number, 1-844-222-2881.