Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW)

09/01/2026

September is a time to recognize the many cancer awareness observances that shine a light on different diagnoses, communities and patient experiences.

From childhood cancers and blood cancers to prostate, gynecologic and thyroid cancers, each diagnosis can bring unique physical, emotional, social and practical challenges for patients and their loved ones.

For oncology social workers, awareness is more than recognizing a diagnosis. It means understanding the whole person, addressing barriers to care and providing support throughout the cancer experience.

This September, AOSW recognizes the patients, survivors, caregivers, families and professionals who continue to raise awareness, advance care and support one another across the cancer community. 💜

08/31/2026

📖 Have you read the latest issue of AOSW Connections?

The August issue explores Complementary & Integrated Care, highlighting perspectives and resources relevant to oncology social work and the patients and families they support.

👉 Take a look at the latest issue and catch up on what’s new from AOSW: https://bit.ly/4tYUiiT

08/28/2026

𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗮𝗹: 𝗣𝘀𝘆𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗠𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁

Cancer treatment can have lasting physical and emotional effects, including fatigue, pain, and insomnia. How can psychological and behavioral strategies help patients manage these challenges?

Join Dr. Jennifer Kilkus, PhD, ABPP, for an interactive session exploring the biopsychosocial model and evidence-based strategies that can be applied to real-world cases.

📅 Thursday, September 17, 2026
🕐 1:00–2:00 PM ET
🎓 1.0 CE hour available for purchase

Participants will learn how to identify intervention targets and apply evidence-based psychological strategies to help patients manage common side and late effects of cancer treatment.

👉 Register now: https://bit.ly/3SfxDCj

08/26/2026

New AOSW Special Interest Group: 𝗔𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 (AI)

AI is rapidly evolving across oncology and mental health care. The new AOSW AI SIG will bring oncology social workers together to explore how AI can enhance psychosocial oncology practice while prioritizing ethical, equitable, safe, and responsible use.

Learn more, get involved, and explore the AI SIG Resource Library: https://bit.ly/4gWZ10f

08/17/2026

Cancer during adolescence and young adulthood can disrupt far more than physical health, affecting identity, relationships, education, careers and future plans.

In this article, four expert oncology social workers explore the unique psychosocial challenges facing AYA patients with cancer, from recognizing signs of distress to supporting mental health throughout survivorship.

👉 Read the full article: https://bit.ly/4wXiPY3

In this article, four expert oncology social workers discuss the distinct mental health needs of AYA cancer patients.

08/13/2026

Immigration-related fears can profoundly influence cancer patients’ ability to access, navigate and complete treatment, yet these barriers often remain invisible within clinical encounters.

In this interview with Oncology Central, AOSW Member Angelique Caba, MSW, LCSW-R explores how immigration status and related anxieties create dual crises for patients.

🔗 Read the full interview: https://bit.ly/4bIzPbT

In our latest interview, Angelique Caba discusses how immigration-related fears directly influence treatment adherence and outcomes.

08/11/2026

For adolescents and young adults (AYA) with cancer, fertility and reproductive health can be an important part of the cancer care conversation, yet these discussions are not always addressed consistently or early enough.

In the latest AOSW Connections article, Olivia Luginski, LCSW, OSW-C, explores the role oncology social workers can play in advancing oncofertility awareness and access. From normalizing fertility conversations to addressing financial and emotional barriers, social workers can help ensure AYA patients have the information and support they need to make informed, values-aligned decisions about their reproductive futures.

🔗 Read the full article to learn more about the impact of oncofertility counseling and how oncology social workers can help expand access: https://bit.ly/4xuc7s9

08/10/2026

How can we effectively integrate palliative and psychosocial support into cancer care pathways? Susan Hedlund, MSW, LCSW, FAOSW, an AOSW past president, gives her perspectives in this interview with Oncology Central.

How can we effectively integrate palliative and psychosocial support into cancer care pathways? Read our interview with Susan Hedlund to find out.

08/05/2026

Young people with cancer face challenges that extend far beyond treatment. From education and careers to relationships, fertility, finances, and navigating the healthcare system, adolescents and young adults (AYAs) require specialized, age-appropriate support.

In the AOSW Connections article "𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗰𝘆, 𝗜𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗼𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗱𝗼𝗹𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗱𝘂𝗹𝘁 ‎‎(𝗔𝗬𝗔) 𝗢𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗹𝗼𝗴𝘆 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲‎," Melody Griffith, MSW, LMSW, OSW-C, shares how oncology social workers can advocate for AYA patients, reduce barriers to care, build meaningful support systems, and drive institutional change. Through practical strategies and a powerful patient story, the article highlights the critical role social workers play in improving outcomes for this unique population.

🔗 Read the article: https://bit.ly/3RuKoIJ

08/03/2026

🎗️ 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 is a time to recognize the people, programs, and resources that ensure no one faces cancer alone. Together, we celebrate the power of compassionate, comprehensive support for patients, caregivers, survivors, and families throughout every stage of the cancer journey.

We're also grateful for the incredible vendors and partners who support the oncology community. If you joined us at this year's 𝗔𝗢𝗦𝗪 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲, drop your organization name and tag your Instagram handle in the comments! We'd love to highlight the important work you do to provide oncology supportive care and community resources.