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CE Course Description

The American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that approximately 2 million people in the U.S. are diagnosed with cancer, and over half a million people die from the disease every year. ACS also estimates that there will be over 22 million cancer survivors in the U.S. by 2035. The impact of a cancer diagnosis on a person’s life can be substantial. People living with the disease and their loved ones often experience a variety of psychosocial issues after a diagnosis, including changes in their roles and relationships, work, and finances, as well as emotional concerns. Studies have shown that about half to two-thirds of cancer patients experience significant psychosocial distress during the course of their illness. With increases in the number of people living with cancer and the prevalence of cancer-related distress, mental health professionals remain essential for assessing and addressing the psychosocial needs of patients and their loved ones. This course will review various aspects of psychosocial assessment in oncology, including conducting a comprehensive initial evaluation of biopsychosocial needs and ongoing assessment, to evaluating an individual’s understanding of the disease and their ability to adhere to the treatment plan. Assessing and fostering an individual’s coping and adjustment to their disease, as well as assessing for common mental health concerns, are also discussed.

Author: Amy Colver, MSSA, MA, LISW

CE Course Objectives

1. Describe the components of a comprehensive biopsychosocial assessment of patient, caregiver, and/or family needs.
2. Explain ways to assess an individual’s coping, resiliency, and adaptation throughout the cancer experience. 
3. Identify strategies to assess an individual’s understanding of the disease and ability to comply with their care plan. 
4. Distinguish common emotional reactions to a cancer diagnosis from when an individual should be referred for treatment of depression and anxiety.

Social Work Approval

Social Work CE Credit for this course is offered with the following approvals. Many state boards of social work will accept the approvals listed. Provider Approvals by state and license type can be found here.

• Quantum Units Education is approved by the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, CAMFT Provider #89970, to sponsor continuing education for LMFTs, LCSWs, LPCCs, and/or LEP. Quantum Units Education maintains responsibility for this program/course and its content.
• Florida board for Social Workers CE Provider #50-8650 (Quantum 'immediately' reports CE Credits to Florida licensees) 
• Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, License No. 159.001261 approved CE Sponsor
• Ohio CSWMFTB #RCST091701 approved CE Provider
• Texas Board of SWE #5070 approved CE Provider

To see other approvals in your state, see our state by state provider approval listings here.

Course Development: Each course is identified and reviewed by the appropriate Quantum Units Education consultant with professional and licensed expertise in the various disciplines we serve. Our professional consultants oversee course development to satisfy the needs of various professionals based on their board requirements, rate course degrees of difficulty and ensure the course content and exam questions are appropriate, relevant and comprehensive. See our professional staff and their bios here.

*Questions regarding how to take a course, refunds, grievance policy and ADA policy can be found here.
*Questions regarding this course or need support? Contact us at support@quantumunitsed.com.

Added On: 01/15/2026