Talking about cancer is hard, yet it can help. Carol Chung, L.C.S.W., makes sure patients get the supportive care they need, whether they’re strong and confident or scared and alone.
The idea of a cancer support group might sound terrifying: Walk into a room filled with complete strangers and share details about your illness and your fears.
It’s easy to turn inwards and be reluctant to open up about cancer. But Carol Chung, L.C.S.W., a clinical social worker at City of Hope, says support groups can make a difference.
Chung facilitates one of the many support groups at City of Hope, and she sees them as a forum where people learn valuable tips about dealing with cancer treatment and survivorship, as well as encouragement from others. “Support groups give patients and families the chance to speak openly and honestly with people who truly understand what they are experiencing,” she said. And there’s more: studies have shown that support group participation can improve quality of life among those with cancer.
“In my support groups for caregivers, a young woman who had to care for her parents was feeling helpless,” Chung said. “She felt angry about her situation and in the support group, she was able to voice her feelings without feeling guilty. Connecting with others really helped.”
Chung helps guide a group for hematologic cancer patients through City of Hope’s Sheri & Les Biller Patient and Family Resource Center, where professionals including psychologists, pain and palliative care physicians, patient navigators, spiritual care providers and others work together to get patients and families the supportive care they need.
“Clinical social workers meet patients and families in their environment, along with all the stressors that affect them, whether they’re socioeconomic, spiritual, behavioral and family dynamics,” she said. “We see anything that impacts how they deal with cancer, and help them through the continuum of their treatment.”
She strives to be an advocate, in particular, for those who don’t fully understand what lies ahead. That goes for whether she’s dealing with older patients confused about the steps in their treatment or reminding younger patients they should consider fertility-preservation options before they start therapy.
“I believe in the work I do, and in the vision and mission of City of Hope,” she added. “The staff here is dedicated, compassionate and caring, and I’m privileged to work alongside them.”