About IPSON

IPSON is an interdisciplinary organisation that represents 400+ professionals working in cancer care.

Our Mission

The mission of IPSON is to promote and advocate for psychosocial excellence in cancer care in Ireland. We do this through supporting a thriving community of psychosocial oncology professionals who collaborate on clinical practice, education, policy, advocacy, and research.

Our Vision

To be a cohesive, collaborative community of professionals working in psychosocial oncology, thereby improving cancer care for all.

History of IPSON

Several key clinician leaders in Ireland, along with the Irish Cancer Society (ICS), founded the Irish Psycho-Oncology Group (IPOG) in 2005. IPOG subsequently evolved into the current Irish Psychosocial Oncology Network (IPSON), which helped host the IPOS World Congress in 2016 and was active, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, in hosting national professional events that encouraged networking and collaboration.

However, the pandemic and the associated occupational stressors derailed IPSON’s activities and growth. With support from the ICS, a concerted effort commenced in late 2021 to reinvigorate IPSON. An interdisciplinary Steering Committee provided oversight from 2022 through 2023, with goals of developing governance processes, increasing engagement and membership, and electing an Executive Committee.

The first Executive Committee was elected in late 2023 and took office on 1 January 2024. IPSON held its first national conference in over a decade in March 2024; it was sold out and a great success!