Challenges for Social Work as a Core Profession in Cancer Services

Social work's claim to be a core profession in cancer services carries the challenge to articulate the basis for that central position. In answer to that challenge, this paper considers the essentially psychosocial nature of cancer and the usefulness of empowerment as a practice premise for conceptualizing social work in oncology. Specific responsibilities are suggested for practitioners at the levels of clinical service, organizational and political action, and writing and research.