International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS)

Founded in 1984, the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) was created to foster international multidisciplinary communication about clinical, educational and research issues that relate to the subspecialty of psycho-oncology and two primary psychosocial dimensions of cancer:

• Response of patients, families and staff to cancer and its treatment at all stages.
• Psychological, social and behavioral factors that influence tumor progression and survival.

Vision:
IPOS fosters the science and practice of psychosocial oncology to improve the care for people affected by cancer worldwide.

Mission:
The mission of IPOS is to promote global excellence in psychosocial care of people affected by cancer through partnerships, research, public policy, advocacy and education.

Purpose:
• To serve as an international body and forum for the dissemination of information to professionals and the general public about psycho-oncology, that is, the psychosocial (psychiatric, psychological, social, behavioural, ethical) and the psychobiological aspects of oncology;
• To foster excellence in clinical care, research and education in the specialty of psycho-oncology;
• To promote general meetings, conferences, workshops, regional meetings, publications and the exchange of information among those engaged in psycho-oncological research, cancer prevention and patient care;
• To advise international and regional agencies about policy issues related to psycho-oncology;
• To encourage and stimulate the formation of local, regional and national organizations that further the goals of IPOS; and
• To recognize exceptional contributions to the field of psycho-oncology through Distinguished Service or other awards.