The 22nd World Congress of Psycho-Oncology

The 22nd World Congress of Psycho-Oncology, held from May 26–29, 2021, marked a significant moment in the field of psychosocial oncology. Originally planned as an in-person event in Kyoto, Japan, the congress shifted to a virtual format due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Hosted by the International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) in collaboration with the Japan Psycho-Oncology Society (JPOS), this event brought together professionals worldwide under the theme “Diversity, Dialogue, and Altruism to Achieve Universal Psychosocial Care for All”. This article explores the congress’s purpose, structure, and impact, drawing from official sources and reflections on its legacy.

Background and Planning

The congress was initially scheduled for June 16–19, 2020, at the Kyoto International Conference Center, a venue renowned for hosting global gatherings. However, the rapid spread of the coronavirus necessitated multiple postponements. The first rescheduling moved it to August 11–15, 2020, aligning with the Joint Domestic Meeting of palliative and supportive care societies in Japan. As the pandemic persisted, IPOS and JPOS announced a second postponement to May 26–29, 2021, and ultimately decided to host it virtually, with support from Kyoto-based organizers. This decision prioritized the “health and wellbeing of members and the patients and communities they serve,” as stated on the official congress website.

Congress Structure and Key Events

The virtual format spanned four days, each with distinct focuses:

  • May 26: Psychosocial Academy Workshops
    The event kicked off with workshops led by global experts, offering training in research and clinical skills. Topics ranged from innovative interventions to supportive care strategies, with sessions available live and pre-recorded for flexibility.
  • May 27–29: Congress Days
    These days featured a robust program of symposia, oral presentations, and poster sessions. Live Q&A sessions complemented recorded content, accessible until August 31, 2021. Highlights included award ceremonies for the IPOS Congress Presentation/Student Awards, celebrating emerging talent.
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The virtual platform enabled participation from over 50 countries, attracting a diverse audience of psychologists, psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and palliative care specialists. Registration fees, such as 10,000 JPY per workshop, ensured accessibility while supporting the event’s logistics.

Theme and Objectives

The theme, “Diversity, Dialogue, and Altruism”, reflected IPOS’s mission to enhance psychosocial care globally. It emphasized addressing diverse needs—symptoms, distress, and support—among cancer patients, families, and healthcare providers. JPOS President Dr. Uchitomi and IPOS President Jane Turner highlighted the goal of fostering collaboration across disciplines and cultures, as noted in their welcome messages. The virtual format amplified this by removing travel barriers, enabling broader dialogue.

Impact and Legacy

The 22nd Congress adapted to unprecedented challenges, showcasing resilience in the psycho-oncology community. While it lacked the in-person charm of Kyoto—famous for its temples and hydrangea blooms in June—it leveraged technology to maintain scientific exchange. Recorded sessions and extended access until August ensured lasting educational value. The event also set a precedent for future hybrid conferences, balancing global reach with safety.

Its integration with Japan’s palliative care meetings (e.g., the 33rd JPOS Annual Meeting) underscored a holistic approach to cancer care, a synergy praised by organizers. Though specific attendance figures are unavailable, the congress’s international scope and virtual success reinforced IPOS’s role as a leader in psychosocial oncology.

Conclusion

The 22nd World Congress of Psycho-Oncology, held virtually from May 26–29, 2021, exemplified adaptability and commitment to universal care. By embracing a digital format, it overcame pandemic constraints to unite professionals worldwide, advancing research and practice in psycho-oncology. For those interested in its proceedings, the IPOS website offers insights into its outcomes and awards, a testament to its enduring influence.

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References

  • IPOS. “World Congress Overview.” Available at www.ipos-society.org. Published November 14, 2021.
  • “IPOS 2021: Psycho-Oncology 22nd World Congress.” eMedEvents. Available at www.emedevents.com. Accessed April 5, 2025.