By TSMH 2 July, 2023

A New Dawn in Cancer Care: Inauguration of the World’s First Independent Centre for Psycho-Oncology

A historic milestone in cancer care was achieved on July 2, 2023, with the grand opening of the Centre for Psycho-Oncology, a groundbreaking initiative by the Texas School of Mental Health. This innovative center represents a monumental shift towards integrating mental health support with traditional cancer treatment, marking a new era in holistic patient care.

The inauguration event was a celebration of progress and compassion, bringing together a distinguished lineup of guests. Notable attendees included Dr. Sawsan al Madhi from UAE, Dr. Mohan Agashe, Dr. C. B. Koppiker, Dr. Anantbhushan Ranade, Dr. Bharti Rajguru, and Dr. Mahati Chittem. Their compelling discussions illuminated the vital connection between mental and physical health, addressed the socio-economic challenges of cancer care, and highlighted the evolving role of psychology in enhancing patient well-being.

The event featured four engaging and insightful panel discussions that delved deeply into various facets of psycho-oncology.

The first panel, titled "Burden of Cancer on Medical Professionals & Role of Psycho-Oncology," was moderated by Dr. Rucha Sule and included Dr. Snita Sinukumar, Dr. Kannan Subramanian, Dr. Sukhada Abhiram, and Dr. Reshma Puranik. They explored the emotional and psychological toll on healthcare providers and underscored the essential role of psycho-oncology in offering support and resilience.

The second panel, "Supportive Medicine - Myths and Reality," featured Dr. Prasad Rasal, Dr. Nilesh Shah, Dr. Sunil Inamdar, Dr. Sharda Despande, and Dr. Priyadarshini Kulkarni. This discussion debunked myths surrounding supportive care and alternative therapies, emphasizing their crucial role in comprehensive cancer treatment.

The third panel, "From the Horse’s Mouth - Cancer Survivors, Caregivers, and Social Activists," brought together Dr. Kalpana Gupte, Neerad Trivedi, Supriya Shinde, Poonam Nanda, Smitha Mehta, and Kiran Bholane. Their poignant stories of resilience and courage offered profound insights into the experiences of cancer survivors and their dedicated caregivers.

The final panel, "Psycho-Oncology: The Road Ahead," was moderated by Girish Lad and featured Dr. Megha Deuskar, Dr. Rohan Jahagirdar, Dr. Shirisha Sathe, and Ms. Shubhi Phatak. This discussion emphasized the need for ongoing research, increased awareness, and robust support systems to address the mental health challenges associated with cancer.

The inauguration of the Centre for Psycho-Oncology marks a transformative milestone in cancer care. By offering a comprehensive approach that enhances both the psychological and emotional well-being of patients and their families, the center aims to set a new standard in improving the quality of life for those affected by cancer.

To learn more about the Centre for Psycho-Oncology and stay updated on our initiatives, please visit our website or reach out to us directly.