A diagnosis of cancer and the challenges that a treatment program presents can lead to distress for patients, family members, and friends.  Some may experience periods of anxiety, depression, fear, guilt, or anger that may affect life roles, self image and overall quality of life.  Ellis Fischel Cancer Center's team of social workers provide services to educate, support and counsel patients and their loved ones to address the social and emotional needs associated with cancer.

An oncology clinical social worker is an integral member of your health care team.  Services available include:

• Individual and family counseling
• Psycho-social assessment
• Crisis intervention
• Grief support
• Financial and resource counseling and referral
• Navigation of the health care system
• Health care team advocate
• Support in transitioning to living with or beyond your cancer and its treatment

Contact:         

For more information, please call Patient and Family Services Department at (573) 882-7373 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. except holidays.

Team includes:

Deborah J. Filer, MSW

Social Worker for the following cancer diagnoses:

• Gastrointestinal cancers (i.e. pancreas, stomach, liver)
• Lung/Thoracic cancers
• Sarcomas
• Urological cancers (i.e. testicular, prostate, kidney)

Laura M. Neal, MSW, MPH, LCSW

Clinical Social Worker for the following cancer diagnoses:

• Blood cancers (i.e. leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma)
• Head and neck cancers
• Primary brain cancers

Christina M. Penn, MSW

Social Worker for the following cancer diagnoses:

• Breast cancers
• Gynecological cancers (i.e. cervical, ovarian, uterine)
• Melanoma/Skin cancers
• Palliative Care patients