Pulse

Summit targets mental health support in cancer

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When headlines focus on cancer, the spotlight typically is on treatment or research. A conference held on the ODU medical campus July 19 brought attention to an often-overlooked aspect of the disease — the emotional and psychological tolls of cancer.

An estimated 120 attendees came together for a discussion titled “Closing the Gap: Coping with Cancer Summit.” In addition to a focus on stress, the half-day event highlighted the need for community-centered solutions in care.

The event was hosted by the Virginia Advancing Cancer Control Engaged Research Through Transformative Solutions (VA-ACCERT) Center, a partnership between VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at Old Dominion University.

“We're gathering as community leaders, as researchers, clinicians, survivors, advocates, each of us connected by a shared purpose to close the gaps in cancer, prevention, care and research and to strengthen how we cope with this disease together,” said Brynn Sheehan, Ph.D., principal investigator for the Macon & Joan Brock Virginia Health Sciences at ODU team within the VA-ACCERT Center.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in storytelling, panel discussions and collaborative dialogue aimed at identifying mental health needs in cancer support systems, particularly in income-based housing communities.

“We are here to make sure that the questions researchers are asking and the solutions designed are grounded in the actual experiences of our community members,” Dr. Sheehan said. “That means listening. That means being open to sharing truthfully here today and having that vulnerability and courage to build partnerships that make cancer research more relevant, more responsive, and ultimately more effective.”

Highlights from the summit included:

  • Personal accounts from survivors and caregivers navigating the psychological toll of cancer.
  • A researcher-community presentation series, pairing clinical insights with lived experiences.
  • A panel discussion featuring a chaplain, therapist, and health educator, highlighting the importance of person-centered cancer care.
  • Resource connections to local mental health and cancer support organizations.
  • Opportunities for researchers to apply for pilot funding of up to $50,000 per year for two years for projects that respond directly to themes and needs identified during the event.

The next VA-ACCERT research project will focus on challenges related to the July 19 event.