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
