Social services with cancer patients and their families: Implications for independent social workers

Two hundred and forty-seven cases from a specialized agency providing social services to cancer patients and their families were studied. Characteristics of those utilizing services and associations between clients’ social risk factors and the extent of social work outpatient interventions were explored. Younger, divorced and single/widowed female cancer patients received greater amounts of service. Supportive counseling was the service most needed by a majority oi the clients. Implications for independent social work practitioners are discussed.