On World Psycho-oncology Day 2025, leading oncologists, survivors, and policymakers gathered in Bengaluru to deliver a powerful message: Mental health support must become a core part of cancer care.
At a high-level round table titled “Integrating Psychosocial Care into Mainstream Cancer Management,” doctors presented alarming data on distress, called out the gaps in India’s care model, and pushed for psycho-oncology to be treated as essential, not optional.
What Is Psycho-oncology?
Psycho-oncology is a clinical science that deals with the emotional, behavioural, and psychological impact of cancer—on patients and their families. It goes beyond counselling to offer evidence-based support during diagnosis, treatment, recovery, and even end-of-life care.
“It’s not just about treating the tumour, it’s about treating the person,” said Dr Brindha Sitaram, Group Director of Psycho-oncology at HCG and Founder-Director of COPER.
The Numbers That Sparked Urgency
Experts at the event highlighted how psychological distress remains largely invisible in India’s cancer care model:
- 65% of patients with cancer experience severe psychological distress
- Indian studies reveal 52% suffer moderate to severe distress, while 40% experience mild distress
- The suicide risk among cancer patients is four times higher than the general population
- India saw a 50% rise in cancer-related suicides between 1997 and 2020
What Needs to Change?
The round table, hosted by HCG and COPER, with support from the Global Healthcare Academy, brought together key voices in policy, medicine, and survivor advocacy.
Participants called for:
- Inclusion of psycho-oncology in standard treatment protocols
- Recognition of emotional well-being as the “sixth vital sign”
- Insurance and public health coverage for mental health support
- Training for doctors to detect emotional distress early
- De-stigmatization of seeking help from mental health professionals
First-Hand Accounts: Healing Beyond the Body
Survivor Shilpa described cancer as an emotional journey in three phases—pre-treatment, treatment, and post-treatment. All three, she said, demand emotional support.
Vidya, who lost her fiancé to cancer, said therapy helped her cope with grief and rebuild her life. Today, she’s happily married and an advocate for integrating mental health in care.
Government Support and Personal Testimonies
Dinesh Gundu Rao, Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister, shared his personal story—his father’s death from acute myeloid leukaemia when he was 22. His message was clear:
“Treatment isn’t just about medication. It’s about the whole support system. We’re open to actionable suggestions.”
Psycho-oncology in Practice
Dr Brindha shared a successful intervention at HCG where children undergoing radiation therapy no longer require anaesthesia. With targeted emotional support, they remain calm and awake during the process—an outcome once thought impossible.
Dr Shabber Zaberi, of Manipal Hospital, added that psycho-oncologists don’t just support patients—they also help prevent burnout among oncologists.
A Vision for the Future
The goal is clear: Embed psycho-oncology in both public and private healthcare across India. From institutional protocols to national policy, mental health support must become a non-negotiable component of cancer treatment.
“Seeking help is not weakness. It’s strength,” said Dr Brindha. “Compassion must become as standard as chemotherapy.”
Is India ready to treat cancer with both medicine and empathy? If the movement in Karnataka is any sign, the answer may finally be yes.
