Addressing the psycho-social needs of cancer patients and their caregivers using evidence-based psychological interventions
Comprehensive Allied Care. Dedicated to clinical excellence since 1954.
“Our commitment is to treat the person, not just the disease. By integrating psychosocial care into mainstream oncology, we ensure that every patient and caregiver has the emotional resilience and support needed to navigate the cancer journey with dignity and hope.”
Addressing the psycho-social needs of cancer patients and their caregivers using evidence-based psychological interventions
The psychosocial service at the Cancer Institute (WIA) was initiated in 2001, laying its path in frontline cancer care by initiating distress screening for all patients. In 2007, it burgeoned into a full-fledged department, becoming the first in the country to be established in a regional cancer centre. It is today led by trained psycho-oncologists and faculty members offering high-quality training programs and state-of-the-art psychosocial services.
The department provides comprehensive psychological and behavioural care to patients, survivors, and carers across the cancer continuum. Following evidence-based guidelines from IPOS and NCCN, we address concerns from diagnosis through treatment, survivorship, and palliative care, ensuring that the human side of cancer is never overlooked.
Beyond clinical care, the department is a hub for academic excellence, offering PhD and M.Phil programs (initiated in 2008 and 2010). Our research focus spans quality of life, neurocognitive assessment, and culturally sensitive interventions, contributing to policy changes and global psycho-oncology standards.
We leverage specialized tools and validated assessment protocols to accurately screen and evaluate clinical distress, cognitive functioning, and rehabilitation needs.
NCCN Distress Thermometer and Problem List
Paediatric Distress Thermometer
Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy (FACT-G)
EORTC Quality of Life Questionnaire
Fear of Cancer Recurrence Inventory (FCR-I)
Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE)
Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination (ACE)
Wechsler Memory Scale & Adult Intelligence Scale (Adapted Indian Versions)
Distress at diagnosis (Denial, Fear, Sleep Disturbance)
Treatment-related anxiety and procedural distress
Body image and sexuality concerns
Fertility-related distress
Neuropsychological impact of cancer (Chemo brain)
Grief, bereavement, and anticipatory grief
Cancer-related fatigue and pain
Suicidal ideation and adjustment difficulties
Tobacco dependence and substance use
Caregiver burnout and family communication issues
Psycho-education and crisis intervention
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) & Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Art Therapy and Virtual Reality (VR) therapy
CALM therapy (Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully)
Cognitive rehabilitation and retraining programs
Tobacco Cessation programs and motivational counselling
Grief and Bereavement therapy
Parent guidance and support in pediatric oncology
Please consult our specialized department if you experience any of these distress indicators:
Avoid all forms of tobacco and second-hand smoke.
Practice deep breathing, yoga, and meditation regularly.
Maintain structured sleep-wake cycles and regular physical activity.
Stay connected with family, peers, and support groups.
Limit exposure to distressing or misleading health information.
Support for Paediatric Cancer Patients and Caregivers.
Specialized support for patients preparing for radiation therapy.
Support for female and male patients undergoing H&N radiation.
Guidance for patients starting chemotherapy.
Support for individuals working towards a tobacco-free life.
Practical advice for colorectal cancer patients.
Dedicated long-term survivorship care
Advanced cognitive and behavioral evaluation
Virtual Reality (VR) Equipment for therapeutic psychosocial care
Free wigs and external breast prosthesis for patients in need
Supply of stoma bags for colorectal cancer patients
A testament to our pioneering contributions in South Asia's medical physics and oncology curriculum research, establishing a legacy of clinical excellence.
Leading center in training international and national postgraduate fellows.
42 trained psycho-oncologists produced since 2010
6 PhD graduates produced in Psycho-Oncology (up to 2025)
Director of IPOS Region 1 (Dr. V. Surendran) elected from the department
Hosted 7th Asia Pacific Psycho-Oncology Network Meeting (2025)
Organized International Psycho-Oncology Society Academy (2020)
Initiation of psychosocial services at Cancer Institute (WIA)
Established as the first Psycho-Oncology department in a regional cancer centre in India
PhD program in Psycho-Oncology initiated (First in India)
M.Phil program in Psycho-Oncology started
Emerged as a national resource hub for specialist workforce development in psycho-oncology
M.A, M.Phil, Ph.D
M.Sc, Ph.D
M.Sc, M.Phil
M.Sc, M.Phil
M.Sc, M.Phil
B.Sc
M.A
MSW
M.Sc
M.Sc
M.Sc
MSW
MSW
BAMS, MPH
M.Sc
B.Sc
For clinical enquiries, collaborative research requests, or postgraduate academic admissions details, please contact us directly.