On April 9, 2025, the global psycho-oncology community came together to celebrate the first-ever World Psycho-Oncology Day (WPOD). This special day was created to raise awareness about the vital role of psychosocial care in cancer treatment, while also honouring the incredible legacy of Dr. Jimmie Holland, whose pioneering work shaped the field of psycho-oncology as we know it.
In its very first year, WPOD saw more than 30 events take place across more than 25 countries, including in-person gatherings, online seminars, social media campaigns, and awareness initiatives. The response was both inspiring and humbling. Despite a short planning timeline, the level of engagement was impressive — reconnecting with former members, reaching new regions, and sparking meaningful conversations around the world.
WPOD is more than a one-day celebration. It’s a growing platform to:
- Highlight the importance of integrating psycho-oncology into cancer care
- Celebrate the progress we've made and identify areas still in need
- Encourage collaboration among professionals, organisations, and communities
- Empower patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to prioritise mental health
We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who made this first WPOD such a success. With everything we've learned this year, we’re already looking ahead to making 2026 even more impactful, inclusive, and far-reaching. Thank you for being part of this journey — and let’s keep building momentum together.
IPOS World Psycho-Oncology Day (WPOD) Organising Committee
Co-Chairs: Dr. Ozan Bahcivan, Dr. Chihtao Cheng
Members: Dr. Wendy Wing Tak Lam, Dr. Chioma Asuzu, Dr. Tom Hack, Dr. Jayita Deodhar
