Association of Oncology Social Work (AOSW)

10/01/2026

🎀 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer affects individuals, families and communities in ways that extend far beyond a diagnosis. For oncology social workers, supporting people through breast cancer means recognizing the emotional, practical, financial and social challenges that can accompany every stage of the experience.

In the U.S., 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an opportunity not only to raise awareness, but also to promote early detection, expand access to support and remind those facing cancer that they do not have to navigate it alone.

This October, we recognize the patients, survivors, caregivers, families and communities impacted by breast cancer, and the oncology social workers and other professionals who help them navigate the journey.

💗 Awareness matters. Support matters. And no one should have to face breast cancer alone.

09/29/2026

September is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month

According to the American Cancer Society, an estimated 333,830 new cases of prostate cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2026.

At this year’s AOSW conference, Dr. Wittmann and Dr. Goltz gave an insightful presentation on Sexual Recovery of Prostate Cancer Patients and their Partners.

During this two-part series, they introduced the clinical guidelines for sexual health and prostate cancer, providing valuable guidance for healthcare professionals supporting prostate patients and their partners
You can download the international guidelines here:
https://bit.ly/4rVaqTn

Movember offers clinical guidelines for sexual health care and prostate cancer — including clinical support for sexual function and intimacy.

09/28/2026

What does it mean to take a professional risk in social work practice?

Join AOSW on Thursday, October 15, for “The Dignity of Risk: Taking Professional Leaps Into the Spider Web,” a webinar exploring how the principle of dignity of risk can inform clinical decision-making, advocacy and intervention across micro, mezzo and macro levels of practice.

Terry Altilio, MSW, LCSW, APHSW-C, Vickie Leff, MSW, LCSW, APHSW-C, and Christine Beamon, LCSW, CCM, APHSW-C will explore how personal and professional identities, institutional policies, medical hierarchy and Social Drivers of Health can shape our willingness to take risks and use our voices to influence care.

Participants will:
• Define dignity of risk and its relevance to healthcare practice
• Explore how institutional and political structures can affect patient experiences
• Identify practical ways to integrate dignity of risk into clinical practice

📅 Thursday, October 15, 2026
🕐 1:00–2:30 PM ET
🎓 1.0 CE hour available for purchase

👉 Register now: https://bit.ly/4ydUA8u

09/18/2026

📣 AOSW 2027 Board of Directors Election Results

Thank you to everyone who participated in the recent election for open positions on the AOSW Board of Directors.

We’re pleased to welcome the following members to the AOSW Board of Directors, beginning January 1, 2027:

✨ President-Elect: Brittany Hahn, MSW, LCSW, OSW-C
✨ Membership Director: Lyndsey Griffin, MSW, LCSW-C, OSW-C
✨ Research Director: Jen Currin-McCulloch, PhD, LSW
✨ Director of State Representatives: Nicole Marcouiller, DSW, LICSW, OSW-C

We’re grateful to all of the members who participated in this year’s election and to those who continue to contribute their time, expertise and leadership to AOSW.

Thank you for helping strengthen our community and advance the field of oncology social work. We look forward to welcoming our new Board members in 2027!

09/08/2026

Join the Association of Cancer Care Centers for an upcoming interactive Office Hours session focused on advancing Collaborative Care Models in oncology.

Thursday, September 10, 2026 | 12:00–1:00 PM ET

Title: ACCC Hosts Office Hours: Open Discussion on Collaborative Care Models
In partnership with American Psychosocial Oncology Society and Association of Oncology Social Work, this session offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with leading experts and peers in a dynamic, discussion-based format.

Featured Experts:
• Jesse Fann (Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center)
• William Pirl (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center)
• Krista Nelson (Providence Cancer Institute)
• Courtney Bitz (Dana-Farber Cancer Institute)

This is not a traditional webinar—bring your questions, share your experiences, and learn from others navigating implementation in real time.

During this session, participants will:
✔️ Discuss real-world challenges and opportunities in implementing Collaborative Care Models
✔️ Explore practical strategies for workflow integration and team engagement
✔️ Connect with peers in an open forum to exchange insights and solutions

Whether you're early in your journey or actively scaling a program, this session provides a valuable space for candid conversation and shared learning.

🔗 Register here: https://bit.ly/3TjpkFS

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.