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Symposium: Psychosocial Care in Childhood Oncology

Indus Hospital & Health Network, with the Pakistan Society of Pediatric Oncology (PSPO), held a symposium with international guest speakers on the topic of psychosocial care in childhood cancer patients.

When a child receives a cancer diagnosis, the ripple effects extend far beyond the medical realm. The emotional landscape becomes complex, affecting not only the young patient but their entire family network. The seminar brought together healthcare professionals from diverse disciplines, united by a common goal: to elevate psycho-oncology as an indispensable component of comprehensive cancer care. The event drew an audience of physicians, nurses, psychologists, and social workers from IHHN, along with guests from Lahore, creating a rich environment for knowledge exchange and collaborative learning.

The program featured a lineup of experts who brought diverse perspectives and specialized knowledge to the discussion: Alexandria Friesen (Certified Child Life Specialist), Aemish Fatima (Child Life Counselor), Erica Sirrine (Licensed Clinical Social Worker), Dr Hana Arbab, (Chair Clinical Ethical Committee), Mariam Ejaz (Psychologist), Riann Horan (Certified Child Life Specialist), and Saba Mumtaz (Clinical Psychologist).

The symposium sought to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, recognizing that truly holistic patient care requires a team approach where medical, psychological, and social expertise converge. Its approach was particularly noteworthy for its emphasis on addressing the emotional and psychological needs of both patients and their families. This dual focus acknowledges that childhood cancer is fundamentally a family experience, where parents, siblings, and extended family members all require support and understanding.

Attendees described the session as highly insightful, with many noting the practical applications they could immediately implement in their own practice settings. The interdisciplinary nature of the audience fostered rich discussions that bridged different professional perspectives and highlighted the complementary roles each discipline plays in comprehensive care.

As Pakistan continues to develop its pediatric oncology services, initiatives like these represent crucial steps toward internationally recognized standards of care. By prioritizing the psychological and social dimensions of childhood cancer treatment, healthcare providers are acknowledging that healing encompasses far more than medical intervention alone.