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 serves 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.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the next phase of these transformative projects.
Join us to create the future of mental health in cancer care.
Registrations are open at the link below.
Speakers
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Gary Rodin Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative and End-of-Life Care, University of Toronto
Speakers
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Gary Rodin Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative and End-of-Life Care, University of Toronto
-
Gary Rodin Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative and End-of-Life Care, University of Toronto Read Bio
Speakers
-
Gary Rodin Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative and End-of-Life Care, University of Toronto
Programme
15:00-15:05 |
Welcome and Introduction |
15:05-15:15 |
Opening keynote – The reality behind the projects: a testimony of mental health impacts of the cancer journey |
15:15-15:25 |
Presentation of the ALTHEA Project and demonstration of the Digital Platform |
15:25-15:35 |
Presentation of the DESIPOC Project and demonstration of the Digital Platform |
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 PracticeALTHEA & 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. |
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Breakout room B: Supporting Those with Lived Experience: Building Trust and Mental Health Support Through Digital ToolsALTHEA & 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. |
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Breakout Room C: Changing the Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities for Policy Progress on Mental Health and CancerThe 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. |
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16:30-16:40 |
Conclusions from the Breakout Rooms |
16:40-16:50 |
Closing keynote – Outlining a Shared Vision for Human-Centred Cancer Care
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16:50-17:00 |
Concluding Remarks |
Speakers
-
Gary Rodin Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative and End-of-Life Care, University of Toronto
Speakers
-
Gary Rodin Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Global Institute of Psychosocial, Palliative and End-of-Life Care, University of Toronto
