IPOS News

The International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) is a global, multidisciplinary organization dedicated to the study, treatment and research of the psychological, social and behavioural aspects of cancer to enhance the quality of life of patients, carers and their families. IPOS joined all the cancer organizations to celebrate World Cancer Day on February 4 and, in the spirit of United by Unique, reminds us that every cancer experience is personal: pain, stories, emotional crisis are all unique to the human person and the patients should not be allowed to journey alone. This is also a personalized patient-centred care through which we give hope, compassion and inculcate appropriate coping skills tailored towards meeting the unique needs of each individual.

IPOS, in celebrating the 2026 World Cancer Day, organized a webinar titled Human Crisis in Cancer: Communication Matters to discuss the key findings from the Lancet Commission report, The Human Crisis in Cancer, which is also at the centre of psycho-oncological care.

The key discussants at this webinar were:

1. Professor Gary Rodin, Professor of Psychiatry and Director of Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative and End-of-Life Care (GIPPEC) at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Canada. Professor Rodin presented a paper on Lancet Report, exploring the psychosocial and emotional support for cancer patients focusing on the need for mental health support for cancer patients. He identified various psychosocial and emotional issues affecting cancer patients. Despite the overall survival outcomes and improvement in cancer care, the system designed to deliver care increasingly falls short in addressing the emotional, relational and existential dimensions of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Hence, psychosocial care in most centres is more reactive than proactive. We all need to join hands to make it proactive.

2. Dr. Patricia A. Parker, a Clinical Psychologist and Attending in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), New York. She is Director of the Communication Skills Training and Research Program (Comskil). Dr. Patricia presented a talk titled Communication in Cancer Care, exploring strategies, challenges and innovations that affect patient-care outcomes. Among all others, she pointed out that communication is what is received and not what is intended, as what is intended may give adverse reactions or meaning to patients.

3. Mrs. Blessing Nkechi Ugboaja, a distinguished medical laboratory scientist, a resilient breast cancer survivor, patient advocate and the visionary CEO of Kosi-Health Advocate Foundation, Nigeria, shared her cancer journey experiences, identifying the deficiencies of psycho-oncology in the cancer care centres. She emphasized that psycho-oncology should be integrated into the main stream of cancer care.

All the three speakers identified that psychosocial care is not well integrated into most cancer care centres, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The International Psycho-Oncology society is using this opportunity to call on the government, stakeholders, and policy makers to review their national cancer care plans and integrate psychosocial care into the mainstream of cancer care along the cancer care continuum. This care enhances the psychological well-being of the patients and provides good quality of life for patients, their families and caregivers.

The session was moderated by Prof. Chioma C. Asuzu, the President of the International Psycho-Oncology Society.

To access the recording, please go to
https://ipos-society.org/event-6556328

The International Psycho Oncology Society (IPOS) has significantly contributed to my career growth by providing a global platform to share knowledge, collaborate on research initiatives, and network with experts in psycho-oncology. Being invited to share my story as a survivor from a low-income country on the IPOS platform was a huge milestone, amplifying my voice and inspiring others in my community.

I'm a Medical Laboratory Scientist and Breast Cancer Survivor dedicated to patient advocacy. I'm involved with the International Psycho Oncology Society (IPOS), sharing my story and collaborating on research initiatives. As CEO of Kosi-Health Advocates Foundation, I focus on cancer awareness and support.

I'm a mom of two lovely daughters and love travelling.

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Currently working at a tertiary care general hospital psychiatric unit (GHPU), my work includes attending, screening and evaluation of patients attending the department of Medical Oncology. Additionally, my work involves supervising a team comprising postgraduate psychiatry residents and clinical psychologists. Our current unit started work on 4th February, 2025, i.e., World Cancer Day. Before this, I gained experience in Consultation-liaison Psychiatry, with a special interest, and a non-funded post-doctoral research project on the role of Spirituality in persons with cancer. But my strongest interest in psycho-oncology probably stems from the first-hand experience of being in the place of the primary caregiver for one of my very close family members battling cancer.

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• Consultant Oncologist at Hospital Universitario Austral
• Chair Professor of Oncology at Universidad Católica Argentina
• Medical Director at Liga Argentina de Lucha contra el Cáncer (LALCEC)
• President of Psycho-Oncology Chapter at Asociacion Medica Argentina (AMA)
• Vice President of Suffering Care and Humanization in Health Committee at Asociacion Médica Argentina

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I am a Kenyan-born Registered Nurse with specialty practice in Oncology and Renal Nursing, with a focused interest in nephro-oncology, currently practising at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, United Kingdom.

My professional mission is to leverage global clinical expertise, leadership, and innovation to strengthen health systems and drive sustainable, high-impact solutions for the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases across Kenya and the African continent.

I’m fond of country-side drives!

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I am a psychologist and psychotherapist with a PhD in psychology, currently working as an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Organizational Studies “Eduka” in Belgrade and as a practising psychotherapist at the Psychological Counselling Centre “Mensana” in Novi Sad, Serbia. My clinical work focuses on individual and group psychotherapy with oncology patients, with particular emphasis on emotional support, meaning-making, and quality of life throughout the cancer experience.

My academic background is in organizational and industrial psychology, and earlier in my career I worked in human resources. Over time, I found a new sense of purpose in clinical and psycho-oncological work, where I am still developing my expertise and actively seeking ways to contribute meaningfully to patient care and interdisciplinary practice.

In my therapeutic work, I integrate Relational Transactional Analysis and hypnotherapy, combining structured psychological models with experiential techniques. Through my involvement with IPOS, I hope to learn, collaborate, and contribute to the advancement of compassionate, evidence-based psychosocial oncology care.

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We are delighted with the news that the Journal of Psychosocial Oncology Research and Practice (JPORP) has been accepted by the Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) for indexing – meaning your accepted papers will have enhanced visibility and greater impact through the major open access database. We look forward to welcoming your submissions to our DOAJ-indexed Journal!

JPORP is the official IPOS Journal and can be accessed by going to https://journals.lww.com/jporp/pages/default.aspx

Psychiatrist and psychotherapist with teaching and research experience, multiple certifications, and a humanistic, scientific, and personalized clinical approach. He works with patients with oncological and hematological conditions at a tertiary care hospital. He likes cats.

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I am a new member of IPOS and very excited about the opportunities this international organization offers to advance psychosocial oncology research, policy and practice. Over the past 35 years, my research program has included evidence-based practice change and, more recently, the use of AI-tools to facilitate clinical decision support at the point-of-care. I am a current member of the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology's (CAPO) Research Advisory Committee and Chair the Guidelines Committee of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC).

My commitment to advancing high-quality scientific research includes my role as Editor-in-Chief of the international journal Supportive Care in Cancer. I was privileged this year to receive CAPO's Lifetime Achievement Award and to be inducted as a Fellow of MASCC.

Perhaps a fun fact that, when I travel internationally, I spend some time learning local culture and some of the language, as I really enjoy sampling local cuisine and social experiences.

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