| Sumario: | Simple Summary: Psychosocial oncology addresses the emotional, social, and practical needs of people living with cancer, alongside their medical treatment. Despite growing evidence that this kind of support improves quality of life, many patients still cannot access it because of where they live, limited health system resources, cultural barriers, or gaps in care delivery. The Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology held its 41st Annual Conference in St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, in June 2026, bringing together clinicians, researchers, patients, and caregivers from many health professions. Over 150 abstracts were presented, covering topics such as digital health tools, community-based care, equity, and support across all ages, from children to older adults. This report summarizes the conference program and the abstracts shared. Together, this work points to practical, scalable ways to expand access to psychosocial cancer care and can help guide future research, inform health policy, and support programs that reach more patients and families, including those in remote or under-resourced communities. On behalf of the Canadian Association of Psychosocial Oncology, we are pleased to present the abstracts from the 2026 Annual Conference, titled "A New Horizon: Expanding the Access and Impact of Psychosocial Oncology". The 41st Annual CAPO Conference was held in St. John's, Newfoundland from 8 June 2026 to 9 June 2026. As we stand at a new horizon in psychosocial oncology, we recognize the unprecedented opportunities to expand both the access to and the impact of comprehensive cancer care. This conference will explore innovative strategies for breaking down traditional barriers that have historically limited access to psychosocial support, including geographic isolation, resource constraints, cultural disparities, and systemic inequities in healthcare delivery. This expansion of reach and influence represents not merely growth in service numbers, but a fundamental transformation in how we conceptualize, design, and implement patient-centered psychosocial care across diverse communities and care settings. We will explore scalable solutions that amplify impact while maintaining the deeply personal, human-centered approach that defines excellence in psychosocial oncology. From telehealth innovations and peer support networks to community-based interventions and integrated care models, this conference will showcase evidence-based strategies that expand our collective ability to support individuals and families navigating the cancer journey, wherever they may be. This conference brought together key stakeholders including multidisciplinary professionals from nursing, psychology, psychiatry, social work, spiritual care, nutrition, medicine, rehabilitation medicine, occupational health and radiation therapy for both adult and pediatric populations. Participants included clinicians, researchers, educators in cancer care, community-based organizations and patient representatives. Patients, caregivers and family members presented abstracts that speak to their role in managing cancer experiences and care. Over one-hundred and fifty (150) abstracts were submitted for presentation as symposia, 20 min oral presentations, 10 min oral presentations, 90 min workshops and poster presentations. We congratulate all the presenters on their research work and contributions.
|
|---|