CanKids...

CanKids partners AIIMS Delhi for advocating patient-centered mental well-being in cancer care

Call to integrate mental health professionals into oncology teams, strengthen peer support networks, and reduce the stigma around mental health in cancer care.

Mumbai 8^th January 2025: CanKids KidsCan - The National Society for Change for Childhood Cancer in India partnered India’s premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Delhi, in advocating patient-centered cancer care, with a focus on mental health and psycho-social support services. At the National Conference on Psychotherapeutic Assessments and Interventions in Psycho-Oncology (NCPO-2025) held at AIIMS a progressive precedent was initiated to ensure that mental health and psycho-social well-being are integrated into India’s cancer care policies and practices.

The conference focused on recommendations to integrate mental health professionals into oncology teams, strengthen peer support networks, and reduce the stigma around mental health in cancer care. Powerful personal stories from patients and caregivers highlighted the emotional challenges of cancer treatment, while a panel of experts discussed how technology can improve care access and transform the patient experience.

“Patient-centered care cannot be achieved without actively engaging patients, survivors, and caregivers. “This inclusive approach aligns with the WHO framework for meaningful engagement of PWLE and will ensure that our healthcare systems remain truly patient-centered” said Sonal Sharma, Co-Founder of CanKids and parent of a childhood cancer survivor

A key feature of the conference was the “Raising the Patient Voice” advocacy workshop, organized in collaboration with CanKids Kidscan, attended by over 60 survivors, caregivers, and healthcare professionals. The workshop resulted in a co-created Advocacy Statement calling for the urgent integration of mental health services into cancer care policies and practices.

A major highlight of the conference was the keynote address by Poonam Bagai, Co-Founder & Chairman of CanKids, cancer survivor, caregiver, and patient advocate, titled “Silence to Strength: Advocating for Psychological Support and Mental Well-Being in Cancer Care.”

In her address, Poonam Bagai shared her personal cancer journey and openly spoke about her struggle with depression during treatment.

“Cancer doesn’t just attack your body; it can break your spirit. I experienced debilitating depression during my cancer treatment, a period of deep silence and isolation that took away my voice. But it was through that experience that I found the strength to advocate for mental health support as an essential part of cancer care,” she shared.

At the conference, CanKids was also honored with the Clinical Excellence Award in psycho-oncology for its significant contribution to improving cancer care at the organizational level. As the largest psychosocial service in India, with over 75 psycho-oncology clinical services across the country, CanKids offers a comprehensive, pan-India model of holistic care, addressing the mental health of patients, caregivers, and survivors. This extensive model of care is a key reason for the organization's recognition and its advocacy for its implementation across all cancer care institutions nationwide.