Advancing Mental Health in Cancer Care through Digital Innovation

Joint Stakeholder Forum of the ALTHEA and DESIPOC projects

More than 40% of cancer patients report their mental health is deteriorating; yet only 19% receive psychiatric or psychological support.

 

Quality cancer care can only be achieved through a holistic approach that addresses the psychosocial well-being and quality of life of patients.

 

EU-funded initiatives such as ALTHEA and DESIPOC are already tackling this issue with new technologies to better diagnose and monitor cancer patients.

 

This end-of-the-year stakeholder forum focused on these projects, exchanging with cross-sector experts and patient representatives, and discussing how technology can bridge the gap between mental health needs and available care.

 

The online event, hosted by the European Cancer Organisation (ECO), took place on Wednesday 10 December from 15:00 to 17:00 CET.

10 December 2025 15:00 - 17:00 CET

Online

Mental health is an essential yet often overlooked part of cancer care. The ALTHEA and DESIPOC projects are changing that by creating innovative, evidence-based digital solutions to make mental health care more accessible, personalised, and integrated into cancer treatment.

  • ALTHEA, coordinated by the European Institute of Oncology (IEO), is developing a web-based platform to screen for psychological issues such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment. It provides tailored support to cancer patients of all ages and their caregivers, helping them manage the emotional impact of the disease.
  • DESIPOC, led by the Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), is building a knowledge hub and training system to enhance psychosocial oncology care. By leveraging AI, machine learning, and behavioural science, DESIPOC seeks to strengthen mental health screening, improve communication pathways, and support evidence-based policy across five EU member states.

The Joint Stakeholder Forum served as a collaborative space to:

  • share insights from patients, carers, and professionals,
  • explore how digital tools can be integrated into real-world cancer care, and
  • discuss strategies for advancing policy and clinical practice in mental health.

 

Related Resources

  • Visit the ALTHEA website
    visit
  • Visit the DESIPOC website
    visit

Speakers

  • Gary Rodin University of Toronto
  • Urška Košir Swedish Institute for Health Economics & Youth Cancer Europe
  • Giorgia Mulè European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, ALTHEA
  • Maria Loizou Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), DESIPOC
  • Karl Lavò GAMIAN-Europe, ALTHEA
  • Veronica Hadjipanayi Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), DESIPOC
show all speakers (9)

Speakers

  • Gary Rodin University of Toronto
  • Urška Košir Swedish Institute for Health Economics & Youth Cancer Europe
  • Giorgia Mulè European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, ALTHEA
  • Maria Loizou Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), DESIPOC
  • Karl Lavò GAMIAN-Europe, ALTHEA
  • Veronica Hadjipanayi Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), DESIPOC
show all speakers (9)
  • Gary Rodin University of Toronto Read Bio
  • Urška Košir Swedish Institute for Health Economics & Youth Cancer Europe Read Bio
  • Giorgia Mulè European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, ALTHEA
  • Maria Loizou Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), DESIPOC
  • Karl Lavò GAMIAN-Europe, ALTHEA Read Bio
  • Veronica Hadjipanayi Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), DESIPOC Read Bio
  • Richard Price European Cancer Organisation (ECO)
  • Norbert Couespel European Cancer Organisation (ECO)
  • Clémentine Rialland European Cancer Organisation (ECO)

Speakers

  • Gary Rodin University of Toronto
  • Urška Košir Swedish Institute for Health Economics & Youth Cancer Europe
  • Giorgia Mulè European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, ALTHEA
  • Maria Loizou Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), DESIPOC
  • Karl Lavò GAMIAN-Europe, ALTHEA
  • Veronica Hadjipanayi Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), DESIPOC
show all speakers (9)

Programme

15:00-15:05
Welcome and Introduction 
  • Clémentine Rialland, European Cancer Organisation (ECO)
15:05-15:15 
Opening keynote – The reality behind the projects: a testimony of mental health impacts of the cancer journey 
  • Urška Košir, Swedish Institute for Health Economics & Youth Cancer Europe
15:15-15:25 
Presentation of the ALTHEA Project and demonstration of the Digital Platform
  • Video demonstration, Foundation for Research and Technology – Hellas (FORTH), ALTHEA
15:25-15:35 
Presentation of the DESIPOC Project and demonstration of the Digital Platform
  • Maria Loizou, Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), DESIPOC 
15:35-15:45
Questions and Answers with Participants 
15:45-16:30
Interactive Session
 
Breakout room A: Equipping Healthcare Professionals: Integrating Digital Mental Health Screening into Clinical Practice

ALTHEA & DESIPOC will lead a co-creation discussion with healthcare professionals to explore how digital mental health screening tools can best support care. This will focus on the usability of such tools, but also the barriers and facilitators to integration into clinical workflows. Participants’ feedback will help co-design ideals for practical implementation into the platforms to ensure uptake in real-world settings.

  • Giorgia Mulè, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, ALTHEA
  • Veronica Hadjipanayi, Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), DESIPOC 
 
Breakout room B: Supporting Those with Lived Experience: Building Trust and Mental Health Support Through Digital Tools

ALTHEA & DESIPOC will facilitate a discussion with survivors, patients and caregivers to co-create approaches for building trust and receiving meaningful support from digital health tools. Participants will be given the chance to reflect on using digital technologies to complement human care and share perspectives on accessibility to mental health support. The session will also explore what helps individuals feel safe, supported and empowered when using such tools for mental health support.

  • Karl Lavò, GAMIAN-Europe, ALTHEA
  • Maria Loizou, Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), DESIPOC 
 
Breakout Room C: Changing the Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities for Policy Progress on Mental Health and Cancer 

The European Cancer Organisation will lead a discussion to understand shared priorities to improve policy addressing the mental health challenge in cancer control. The session will capture perspectives from healthcare professionals, patients and other advocacy leaders on barriers, successes and recommendations in order to embed mental health support and the recognition of psycho-oncology needs in cancer policies at the European and national level. This will include considerations on how digital tools such as the ALTHEA and the DESIPOC platforms can be integrated into cancer systems. Participants’ feedback will help guide policy recommendations and outreach activities for projects moving forward. 

  • Richard Price, European Cancer Organisation (ECO)
  • Norbert Couespel, European Cancer Organisation (ECO)
16:30-16:40 
Conclusions from the Breakout Rooms 
16:40-16:50 
Closing keynote – Outlining a Shared Vision for Human-Centred Cancer Care
  • Gary Rodin, University of Toronto
16:50-17:00 
Concluding Remarks

Speakers

  • Gary Rodin University of Toronto
  • Urška Košir Swedish Institute for Health Economics & Youth Cancer Europe
  • Giorgia Mulè European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, ALTHEA
  • Maria Loizou Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), DESIPOC
  • Karl Lavò GAMIAN-Europe, ALTHEA
  • Veronica Hadjipanayi Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), DESIPOC
show all speakers (9)

Speakers

  • Gary Rodin University of Toronto
  • Urška Košir Swedish Institute for Health Economics & Youth Cancer Europe
  • Giorgia Mulè European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, ALTHEA
  • Maria Loizou Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), DESIPOC
  • Karl Lavò GAMIAN-Europe, ALTHEA
  • Veronica Hadjipanayi Cyprus University of Technology (CUT), DESIPOC
show all speakers (9)