The objectives of the programme are:

• Introduce participants to cancer – its causes, prevention, early detection, and treatment.
• Highlight psycho-social challenges faced by patients and caregivers, illustrated with real-world case examples.
• Provide insight into emotional, psychological, and ethical dynamics in cancer care.
• Offer hands-on learning in basic counselling, palliative support, grief work, and self-care for caregivers and volunteers.

Workshop Structure and topics covered

UNDERSTANDING CANCER

• Participant introductions and personal reflections on cancer
• Introduction to CPAA and the philosophy of Total Management of Cancer
• Basics of cancer: causes, myths, lifestyle risk factors, warning signs, and prevention
• Overview of Psycho-Oncology
• The role and motivation of volunteers in cancer care

ASPECTS OF PSYCHO-ONCOLOGY

• Introduction to Psycho-Oncology
• Grief, loss, and the coping process: understanding the grief cycle
• Introduction to basic counselling skills and techniques of becoming an effective counsellor

DEEPENING PRACTICE

• Genetic counselling: an overview
• Palliative care counselling

ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS AND SELF-CARE IN CANCER

• Ethics in Psycho-Oncology
• Stress, burnout, and self-care
• Post-traumatic growth

PRACTICAL COMPONENT

• Case study-based homework and discussions
• Recap and reinforcement of workshop learnings
• Reflective activities and group work

CERTIFICATION
Participants will be assessed through interactive discussions and case study-based assignments and a Certificate of Participation will be awarded to those who complete each session of the workshop.

OPPORTUNITIES for Course Graduates / Accredited Participants

• Volunteering at Hospitals / Treatment Centres: Trained participants interested in volunteering will first work under guidance. Once ready, you may be assigned hospital duties in line with CPAA protocols.
• Other CPAA activities:
  • Internship at CPAA
  • Conducting awareness lectures in schools, colleges, and communities
  • Supporting and Promoting Cancer Screening Camps in high-risk communities
  • Promoting CPAA’s Rehabilitation Centre products

Please note: these opportunities are with CPAA which will be supervised. Connect with us for further information at learning@cancer.org.in

FACULTY
Dr. Shubha Maudgal – Consultant Psycho-Oncologist
Ms. Susmita Mitra – Senior Psychosocial Oncology Trainer, CPAA
Ms. Karishma Pavaskar – Clinical Psycho-Oncologist & Expressive Arts Therapy Practitioner
Guest lecturers may be invited to cover select topics.

REGISTRATION DETAILS
Fee: ₹1,500 (includes workshop notes and materials)
To Register: Click to Register and Pay for CPAA’s Psycho-Oncology Training Workshop: https://rzp.io/l/IKrQvN
After payment, please confirm your registration via email to susmita.mitra@cancer.org.in

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

CPAA’s Internship Program offers hands-on experience in psycho-social oncology, patient support, and community outreach. Designed for students and professionals, it helps shape compassionate, skilled individuals ready to contribute to holistic cancer management.

INTRODUCTION
Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) invites students and professionals from psychology, social work, public health, and related fields to participate in our immersive and impact-driven internship program.
Designed to provide hands-on experience in psycho-social oncology, community outreach, patient care and program development, this internship offers a unique opportunity to work in a non-profit environment that supports cancer patients and their families holistically.

OBJECTIVES OF THE INTERNSHIP

• To introduce interns to a multidisciplinary, community-based approach in cancer care.
• To develop practical skills in patient engagement, psycho-social assessments, and group facilitation.
• To foster a deeper understanding of the structure and operations of a non-profit healthcare organization.
• To cultivate empathy, professionalism, and responsibility through real-world exposure.
• To encourage meaningful contributions to ongoing projects, research, and outreach initiatives.

WHAT INTERNS WILL LEARN

• Insight into the psycho-social challenges faced by cancer patients and their caregivers.
• Exposure to expressive arts therapy, counselling practices, support group facilitation, and hospital-based interventions.
• Opportunities to engage in the planning and execution of patient welfare initiatives, awareness campaigns, and community programs (depending on program structure) .
• Skills in professional communication, clinical observation, documentation, and ethical healthcare practices.
• An appreciation for holistic cancer care through interdisciplinary collaboration and field-based learning.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Interns may be involved in:

• Assisting with counselling sessions and hospital visits.
• Supporting awareness drives and community programs.
• Assisting with documentation, data entry, and compiling assessment reports for ongoing projects.
• Participating in support group sessions and expressive arts-based activities.
• Contributing to research, educational content creation, and patient advocacy.

DURATION AND MODE
Minimum Duration: 3 months
Maximum Duration: 12 months
Mode: Hybrid / Offline (depending on availability and project needs)

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Students or recent graduates from psychology, social work, public health, or related disciplines.
  (If you belong to a related discipline and have relevant experience, we encourage you to get in touch.)
• Minimum age: 18 years
• A strong interest in working with cancer-affected individuals and under-resourced communities.
• A willingness to learn, adapt, and maintain professional conduct in sensitive environments.

CERTIFICATION
A Certificate of Completion will be issued upon successful completion of the internship, subject to active participation, timely documentation, and overall performance evaluation.

HOW TO APPLY
To express your interest in the CPAA Internship Program, please email your CV and a brief Statement of Purpose to the contact below. A screening process will be conducted before confirming your selection.

For inquiries, contact:
Karishma Pavaskar
Clinical Psycho-Oncologist
Cancer Patients Aid Association, Mumbai, India
Email: learning@cancer.org.in  | Connect: +91-85917-04971
NEWSLETTER (Coming soon)