Claire Grainger-Valvano, LCSW, OSW-C CancerCare

Claire Grainger, an oncology social worker with CancerCare, explains 7 concepts that can improve communication with and care of patients with cancer.

A novel approach to how patients — and nurses — think about challenges can improve their mood and coping ability during a cancer crisis. Strategies that support better moods are also offered.

The simple childhood pleasure of a coloring book and crayons—or colored pencils, as in this case—provide the foundation of a unique support group for patients with cancer and their families.

A significant part of counseling patients with cancer is offering guidance on when and how to tell their children about their diagnosis.