12th July 2025
Empowering Cancer Survivors and Families: Highlights from the INE-CSC Conference in Greece
Introduction
Our lab was proud to participate in the recent conference, “Empowering individuals living with, through, and beyond cancer and their families through innovative solutions,” held in Thessaloniki on the 29th of May followed by the COST Action CA21152 Management Committee where Dr Angelos Kassianos represents Cyprus. Organized and supported by the EU-funded COST Action CA21152, the Implementation Network Europe for Cancer Survivorship Care (INE-CSC), this event brought together leading experts to address the future of cancer survivorship care in Europe, with a focus on psychosocial oncology. COST Action partner City College University of York Europe Campus hosted the event.
About COST Action CA21152 and INE-CSC
COST Action CA21152 (INE-CSC) is a pan-European initiative dedicated to advancing survivorship care by implementing evidence-based practices across clinical settings. The network fosters collaboration among researchers, clinicians, and patient organizations to:
Identify and address barriers to survivorship care
Develop and disseminate digital and eHealth solutions
Build a sustainable, multidisciplinary community for cancer survivors and their families
Enhance research and clinical capacity throughout Europe
Presentation: Leveraging Psychosocial Oncology Care Provision in Europe
Dr. Angelos Kassianos (Cyprus)
Dr. Kassianos’s presentation explored the current landscape of psychosocial oncology care in Europe—highlighting both the progress and persistent gaps in access, quality, and integration of mental health support for cancer survivors and their families. He emphasized the importance of digital innovation, multidisciplinary teamwork, and policy advocacy in driving forward equitable and effective psychosocial care.
Spotlight on the DESIPOC Project
A highlight of Dr. Kassianos’s presentation was the introduction of the DESIPOC project—a major EU4Health-funded initiative led by the BSiH Lab at the www.cut.ac.cy Department of Nursing, in partnership with organizations across Europe.
What is DESIPOC?
DESIPOC aims to transform mental health care for cancer patients, carers, families, and healthcare professionals across Europe. The project recognizes the diverse ways psychosocial oncology care is delivered in different countries and seeks to bridge gaps through innovation and collaboration.
Looking Ahead
The INE-CSC conference and the launch of projects like DESIPOC signal a new era for cancer survivorship care in Europe—one that places equal value on mental and physical health. Our lab is committed to supporting these efforts and translating research into real-world impact for survivors and their families.
