Founded in 1984, International Psycho-Oncology Society (IPOS) was created to foster international multidisciplinary communication about clinical, educational and research issues that relate to the subspecialty of psycho-oncology.

Two primary psychosocial dimensions of cancer are 1) Response of patients, families and staff to cancer and its treatment at all stages; 2) Psychological, social and behavioral factors that influence tumor progression and survival.

IPOS works to be the international multi-disciplinary organization dedicated to fostering the science of psychosocial and behavioral oncology and improving the care of cancer patients and their families throughout the world.

Their hope is that all cancer patients and their families throughout the world receive optimal psychosocial care at all stages of disease.

In June 2005, IPOS was accepted as associate UICC member.