The International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) has designated April 9, 2025, as the first-ever World Psycho-Oncology Day (WPOD), marking a significant milestone in the recognition of psychosocial care as an integral component of comprehensive cancer treatment. The initiative aims to raise global awareness about the critical importance of psychological support for cancer patients while honoring the pioneering work of Jimmie C. Holland, MD.
Growing Recognition of Psychosocial Care Impact
Research evidence increasingly demonstrates the direct correlation between accessible psychosocial care and improved patient outcomes. According to Cristiane Decat Bergerot, PhD, MS, a psychologist and head of supportive care at Grupo Oncocl\u00ednicas in Brazil and IPOS member, patients who receive psychological support exhibit enhanced pain management and quality of life.
"Accessible psychosocial care is essential in cancer treatment because it directly impacts a patient's emotional well-being, treatment adherence, and overall quality of life," Bergerot explained. "We know that a cancer diagnosis brings significant psychological distress and uncertainty, which can affect decision-making and coping mechanisms."
The field has evolved significantly since its inception, with clinical trials now incorporating quality of life and patient-reported outcomes as key endpoints. This shift reflects a broader understanding that effective cancer care must address not only survival but also the psychological and emotional dimensions of the patient experience.
Integration into Standard Care Protocols
Major oncology organizations have begun formally recognizing the importance of psychosocial interventions. Both the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO) now emphasize integrating psychosocial care into standard cancer treatment protocols.
This institutional support has led to practical changes in clinical practice, including the incorporation of distress screenings into routine clinical assessments and recommendations for early palliative care involvement. The NCCN and ASCO have developed specific guidelines detailing how to manage patient distress throughout cancer therapy.
"The growing body of research on psycho-oncology has significantly influenced clinical guidelines, treatment protocols, and research priorities in cancer care," Bergerot noted. "Cancer care is becoming increasingly multidisciplinary with psychosocial factors considered an important component of comprehensive treatment."
Honoring Psycho-Oncology's Pioneer
World Psycho-Oncology Day specifically honors Jimmie C. Holland, MD, who helped establish the field in the 1970s. Holland served as the first chief of psychiatry services at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, creating the first department of its kind globally, and was a founding member of IPOS.
The primary goals of WPOD include raising awareness, honoring Holland's contributions, engaging stakeholders, promoting action, and supporting fundraising efforts. These objectives are designed to acknowledge the historical development of psycho-oncology while advancing its future integration into cancer care.
Future Directions and Challenges
Looking ahead, experts emphasize that psychosocial care must transition from an optional service to a necessary component of cancer treatment. Bergerot highlighted that while new developments including telehealth and emerging research demonstrate significant potential for rapid growth in psycho-oncology, systematic integration remains a key challenge.
"We aim to empower patients, caregivers, and health care professionals, fostering a future where psychosocial support is an integral part of oncology worldwide," Bergerot stated.
The establishment of World Psycho-Oncology Day represents a formal recognition of decades of research demonstrating that comprehensive cancer care must address both the physical and psychological aspects of the disease. As the field continues to evolve, the integration of psychosocial interventions into standard treatment protocols may become increasingly critical for optimizing patient outcomes and quality of life.
