As the first incumbent director of the HKU JCICC, I want to thank both to the LKS Faculty of Medicine and the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust in enabling this much-needed project. Psycho-oncology is the specialty focusing on addressing the detrimental physical, psychological, social and behavioural aspects of cancer experienced by both patients and their families. According to the International Psycho-oncology Society standard of quality cancer care, psychosocial cancer care should be recognized as a universal human right, meaning each individual affected by cancer should be able to access psychosocial care during the cancer journey. To achieve this, psychosocial services must be integrated into routine care. Yet, barriers to access, inclusion and affordability still remain for many as does the need to ensure that a fully bio-psychosocial approach to cancer prevention, treatment and rehabilitation is available for everyone.

The establishment of the HKU JCICC, made possible through very generous support from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, will provide us with the needed resources to make significant progress in psycho-oncology, to continue innovative research in the field, while developing new clinical ideas and building on existing ones. Our mission is simple but profound: to improve the lives of people affected by cancer.

As an enabling platform, HKU JCICC is developing a coordinated, multidisciplinary care infrastructure or model of care to address gaps in the current paradigm of care in Hong Kong. With the engagement of clinical oncologists, surgical oncologists, clinical psychologists, behavioral scientists, nurses, counsellors, social workers, dietitians, exercise physiologists, and support services in the community, we provide, for the first time in Hong Kong, true multidisciplinary care and recovery support for people affected by cancer, in cooperation with existing health and community care organizations.

I am privileged, and deeply humbled, to be the first incumbent director of the HKU JCICC. I recognized that the institute symbolizes the commitment of the University of Hong Kong to knowledge exchange and community engagement. I look forward to working with various leaders, researchers and stakeholders of cancer support services to promote the psychosocial wellbeing of patients and their family members.

Thank you.

Dr. Wendy Lam
Head, Division of Behavioural Sciences, School of Public Health
Director, Jockey Club Institute of Cancer Care
Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine
The University of Hong Kong