[Support of cancer patients by counseling]

Special counselors of consultation support centers at cancer hospitals have the difficult task of providing support to patients and families that receive the difficult diagnosis of cancer. Patients and their family first receive a notice and an explanation of the conditions of the disease, along with details of the standard future treatment policy in that country. Such information may not be conveyed by medical experts in a manner in which the patient can understand it, and very few patients are able to select a treatment plan on their own. With the support of a special counselor, the patient can determine the best way to manage the illness, and the counselor supports the decision-making process regarding the best treatment option. Moreover, support is offered to help the patient accept the diagnosis and maintain a balance of daily activities, which facilitate treatment continuation. With the intervention of a special counselor, problems that arise can be addressed directly and the counselor can summarize the patient's intentions and can act immediately to find solutions. Medical social workers understand that the patient is an individual who is concerned and who must be convinced and understand the situation in order to judge the situation and act accordingly. This approach gives courage to the patient, increases the will to live, and helps the patient regain a sense of self. A medical social worker's role is to help find answers and to suggest ideas for problem solving, to allow for patients to care for themselves and others.