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CancerCare is pleased to share that our Child and AYA Program Coordinator, Sarah Paul, LCSW, was recognized for her contributions to oncology social work at the 2018 Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW) Conference. Sarah’s poster presentation, “‘But you don’t look sick’: Managing the Complex Psychosocial Needs of Young Adult Patients with Metastatic Cancer” was awarded Third Place for the AOSW Poster Session.

Sarah’s poster highlighted the psychosocial challenges for young adults diagnosed with metastatic illness and raise awareness of these complex needs as a way to inform clinical practice in the oncology community. Her research examined young adults’ concerns about their appearance, dating and relationships, fertility preservation, workplace concerns/career planning, mental health issues and access to health insurance.

“Being diagnosed with cancer at any age is life changing. Being diagnosed with a terminal cancer diagnosis when you are in your 20s or 30s is devastating. This population- young adults with metastatic cancer- is greatly underserved. I hope to continue to raise awareness for those that live their best life despite the statistics stacked against them. In the words of one of my young adult clients, “Don’t take “no” for an answer, and don’t settle for anything - in life, in treatment, or in your future. Always move forward.”

As Child and AYA Program Coordinator at CancerCare, Sarah strives to help this underserved community get through their struggles with cancer. She also provides counseling to families coping with cancer and people who have experienced the loss of a loved one. She is an AOSW member, the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and has been a featured speaker for CancerCare’s Connect Education Workshops.

Learn more about CancerCare’s services for young adults coping with cancer.