Delivering psychological and social support to children with cancer in India and their families: a position statement from the social and psychological taskforce of the Indian childhood cancer initiative.

Abstract

The Indian childhood cancer initiative (ICCI) was established to address the critical gaps in childhood cancer care within India, where survival rates are significantly lower compared to high-income countries. While psychosocial support is a well-recognised component of comprehensive cancer care, its provision in India remains fragmented and inconsistent. This position statement, developed by the ICCI Psychological and Social Support Taskforce, outlines the urgent need for standardization of psychological and social care in pediatric oncology across the country. Informed by a thorough needs assessment and guided by international standards, this document proposes key areas of focus for integrating psychosocial support into pediatric cancer care. The taskforce identified eight priority areas essential for addressing the psychosocial needs of pediatric oncology patients and their families: ensuring holistic care through the integration of psychological and social support with medical treatment, early psychosocial assessment and intervention, interdisciplinary collaboration, community outreach, policy advocacy, research and the establishment of national standards for care. Early identification and intervention of psychosocial issues are critical to improving treatment adherence and overall patient outcomes. Furthermore, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration between medical professionals, psychologists and social workers is essential for delivering comprehensive care. The taskforce emphasises the importance of advocacy at both the policy level and community level, raising awareness about the psychosocial needs of children with cancer. The statement also highlights the necessity of expanding research in psychosocial oncology, particularly within the Indian context, to develop culturally sensitive interventions. Establishing national standards for psychosocial care will ensure equitable access to these services, addressing current disparities in service provision. In conclusion, this position statement advocates for systemic changes in pediatric cancer care, integrating psychosocial services into treatment protocols, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and driving research and policy development to improve the quality of life for children with cancer and their families.