Linda Casey on Distress Screening for Patients Undergoing Cancer Treatment

Linda Casey, BSN, OCN, a nurse at the John Theurer Cancer Center, discusses distress screening for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Casey says the patients are evaluated for psychosocial distress when they are initially assessed. While it is normal for patients to feel distressed about their diagnosis, if patients are feeling more distressed than normal, a social worker is called in to assist the patient. However, Casey feels that all patients could benefit from seeing a social worker at the moment they are diagnosed.

It is common for patients to underplay their distress, Casey says, but psychosocial support could benefit both the patient and their families if offered from the start.