A Deep Dive into the APPON Conference 2025

Day 1: Understanding the Emotional and Psychosocial Impact of Cancer

My Systematic Review Poster Presentation

Day 2: Advancing Psycho-Oncology Research and Practice

The 7th Asia Pacific Psycho-Oncology Network (APPON) Conference was held from January 17-18, 2025, at The Westin Velachery, Chennai. Over the course of two inspiring days, experts in psycho-oncology, clinicians, and researchers converged to explore the multifaceted dimensions of cancer care—from addressing emotional burdens and psychosocial distress to pioneering innovative interventions in patient support.

Day 1: Understanding the Emotional and Psychosocial Impact of Cancer

The conference opened with a Plenary Session (2:00 – 2:30 pm) led by Dr. Wendy Wing Tak Lam from The University of Hong Kong, who delivered an insightful presentation on Fear of Cancer Recurrence (FCR). Her talk examined how the persistent anxiety of a potential relapse can significantly affect the emotional well-being of cancer survivors. She discussed the merits of evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to help mitigate these fears.

Shortly thereafter, Panel Discussion I (2:30 – 3:15 pm) focused on Pediatric Psycho-Oncology. Moderated by Dr. Vandhana Dhamankar (Indian Cancer Society), the panel featured oncologists, psychologists, and even a cancer survivor who shared his personal journey. The discussion underscored the unique challenges faced by children with cancer and stressed the importance of early psychological interventions and family-centric support mechanisms to promote resilience.

At the same time, Symposium I (2:30 – 3:15 pm) explored Gynecological Cancer Survivorship. Esteemed speakers delved into various aspects such as psycho-sexual health, social challenges, and the pervasive fear of cancer recurrence among survivors. The session highlighted not only the importance of ongoing emotional support but also the need for integrative approaches to address physical and psychological aftermaths of cancer treatment.

An engaging Invited Talk (3:15 – 3:35 pm) by Prof. Chih-Tao Cheng from Taiwan then shifted focus to the psychosocial care of terminally ill cancer patients. His presentation emphasized the value of tailored palliative care that addresses the emotional and existential distress faced by both patients and their caregivers.

Later in the day, Dr. Jayita Deodhar of Tata Memorial Hospital presented a compelling talk on body image concerns in cancer care (4:00 – 4:20 pm). Her discussion detailed how alterations in physical appearance—stemming from surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation—can deeply affect patients' self-esteem and social interactions. In response, she advocated for interventions such as body image counseling and peer support groups.

Following this, Dr. E. Vidhubala from the Uvakai Research Foundation addressed the broader spectrum of financial, emotional, psychological, and social challenges encountered by Indian cancer patients (4:20 – 4:40 pm). Her session provided valuable insights into how these challenges intersect and impact overall quality of life.

The day wrapped up with an interactive Case-Based Discussion (4:40 – 5:20 pm), where experts analyzed real-life scenarios in psycho-oncology, sharing strategies for improved patient-centered care.

My Systematic Review Poster Presentation

One of the highlights of my conference participation was presenting my systematic review poster titled:

“Assessing the Efficacy of Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Reducing Psychological Distress, Enhancing Quality of Life, and Mitigating Treatment-Related Side Effects in Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review.”

This systematic review is co-authored by Tripti, Dr. Sreenath, Dr. Meera and Neda.

Overview and Key Findings:

Psychological Distress Reduction:
The review synthesized multiple randomized controlled trials (RCTs) demonstrating that mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) significantly reduce levels of anxiety, depression, and overall psychological stress in cancer patients.
Enhanced Quality of Life:
Studies included in the review consistently reported improvements in emotional regulation, sleep quality, and social functioning among patients who practiced mindfulness.
Mitigation of Treatment-Related Side Effects:
Evidence pointed to the potential of MBIs in alleviating common side effects associated with cancer treatment, such as nausea, chronic pain, and fatigue—findings supported by both patient-reported outcomes and neuroimaging studies.

Methodology:
A rigorous systematic search was conducted using databases like PubMed, Scopus, and PsycINFO, covering literature published between 2015 and 2024. Key data were extracted on effect sizes, patient-reported outcomes, and the duration and structure of mindfulness interventions, all of which were critically analyzed to draw evidence-based conclusions.

Conclusion:
The systematic review confirmed that integrating MBIs into routine cancer care could offer significant benefits in managing psychological distress and enhancing the quality of life for cancer patients. The insights from my research sparked engaging discussions with judges and peers, highlighting the transformative potential of mindfulness in psycho-oncology.

Day 2: Advancing Psycho-Oncology Research and Practice

Day 2 began with a series of Oral Presentations (8:30 – 9:30 am), featuring cutting-edge research on topics ranging from sexual dysfunction in breast cancer survivors to innovative tools for assessing financial toxicity in cancer care. These sessions set a dynamic tone for the day, emphasizing both the clinical and psychosocial dimensions of oncology.

A particularly thought-provoking Invited Talk (9:30 – 9:50 am) by Dr. Nisha K Jose (ICMR) focused on the critical role of implementation research in psycho-oncology. Her presentation underscored the need for translating research findings into effective clinical practices to ensure that the benefits of psycho-oncology reach every patient.

Further enriching the day, Prof. Richard Fielding from Hong Kong delivered an invited talk (11:00 – 11:20 am) on symptom management in cancer survivorship. His insights into managing chronic pain, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction provided a comprehensive overview of how holistic care can significantly improve survivors' lives.

A Memorable Tea Break Encounter

During the tea break at 10:40 am on Day 2, I had the distinct honor of meeting Prof. Tony Sam George, our esteemed former Dean and Head of the Department of Psychological Sciences, Christ Deemed to be University, Bengaluru. Our conversation was not only delightful but also profoundly insightful.

Prof. Tony Sam George shared details about his latest venture, The NeuroPathways Institute. Founded with a visionary approach, The NeuroPathways Institute aims to integrate neuroscience into diverse domains such as education, organizational development, health, and consultancy. The institute's mission is to enhance human potential by leveraging the latest neuroscience findings to improve cognitive and emotional functioning. It aspires to cultivate better leaders, foster more effective teams, and promote healthier individuals through its holistic and scientifically-backed programs.

Unique Approach & Impact of The NeuroPathways Institute:

Holistic Development:
Unlike traditional models, the institute considers not only cognitive and emotional factors but also physical health, ensuring sustainable growth and comprehensive well-being for individuals and organizations.
Wide-Reaching Impact:
The institute has made significant strides across corporate environments and educational institutions, empowering countless individuals to unlock their full potential through innovative training, leadership development, and consultancy services.

About Dr. Tony Sam George:
Dr. Tony Sam George brings nearly three decades of expertise as an Educator, Mental Health Specialist, Leader, and Innovator. Trained at the National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), he has served on various international and regional boards, significantly contributing to capacity-building in mental health initiatives across India, Mexico, South Africa, Canada, and the United States. His illustrious career is marked by collaborations with nonprofits, securing major research grants from organizations like the United States Department of State and the Commonwealth of Australia, and designing effective employee assistance programs for multinational companies. Profoundly respected in his field, he continues to be a sought-after keynote speaker at international forums, inspiring innovation and excellence in mental health and leadership development.

Recognition & Certification

Final Reflections

The APPON Conference 2025 was a transformative experience that deepened my understanding of psycho-oncology and its critical role in cancer care. My systematic review on mindfulness-based interventions not only contributed to the academic discourse but also opened new avenues for integrating these practices into clinical settings. Moreover, the unexpected and enriching conversation with Prof. Tony Sam George added a personal touch to the event, reaffirming the importance of holistic approaches—both in mental health and in broader professional development. His insights about The NeuroPathways Institute have further inspired me to explore interdisciplinary avenues that bridge neuroscience with psychological practice.

In summary, the conference was a celebration of innovation, research, and the relentless pursuit of improving patient care. It has left an indelible mark on my academic and professional journey, motivating me to continue contributing to the field of psycho-oncology with passion and dedication.

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