Israel Cancer Association - Annual Report 2024

2024 | Annual Report Israel Cancer Association

Contents

Message from the Chairman . ................................................................. 4

2024 ”Door Knock”® Fundraising Campaign ................................................................................ 56 Annual ”Door Knock”® Fundraising Campaign Chairmen ............................................... 57

ICA Executive Board ............................................................................................. 5

ICA's Fight against Cancer Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Breakdown ................................................................................................ 5

Friends of the ICA Abroad . ..................................................................... 59

ICA in Numbers . .......................................................................................................... 6

The Israel Cancer Association 2024 Executive Board and Committee Members ..................................................................... 67

Rehabilitation and Support ...................................................................... 7

Sir Charles Clore Hostel for Cancer Patients ............... 19

Back cover: Friends of the ICA Abroad

Medical Services and Innovative Projects to Improve Patient Services and Treatment .......................................................................................................... 20 ICA-Supported Oncology Services at Medical Institutions and in Community Settings.......................................20

Equipment, Construction and Development ............ 21

Public Information and Health Promotion . .................. 22

Digital Platforms .................................................................................................... 35

Professional Training ...................................................................................... 38

Professional Seminars and Conferences .......................... 39

Research ............................................................................................................................. 42

Editing: Information and Health Promotion Dept. Translation: Projects Dept. Graphic Design: Studio Billet Copyright © 2024 Israel Cancer Association All Rights Reserved

Collaborations . ......................................................................................................... 46

IT Support ........................................................................................................................ 50

Volunteers and Local Fundraising Events ...................... 51

3

Israel Cancer Association // Annual Report 2024

Message from the Chairman

Since the establishment of the Israel Cancer Association more than 70 years ago, it has operated in three areas: reducing cancer morbidity and mortality; assisting patients, survivors and their families; and reaching out to the public about early detection and promotion of a healthy lifestyle. In a complex year such as the past one, this activity was especially important. The October 7th events and the war that broke out in southern and northern Israel affected each and every one of us. From a health perspective, these events brought important topics such as mental health, trauma and post-trauma into discussion, but let us not forget that alongside these, the daily routine continues, and with it the necessity to battle cancer, its effects and implications.

Prof. Moshe Mittelman Chairman, Israel Cancer Association

Therefore, this year too, the ICA worked tirelessly on all fronts: we promoted cancer research through research grants and funded physicians' participation in training and conferences; we participated in developing and promoting innovative projects aimed to improve services for cancer patients; we held seminars for professional teams, medical students, patients, survivors and their families on a wide range of topics related to coping with cancer; we offered support groups, workshops and mind-body classes for cancer patients and survivors; and we continued our extensive educational activities to promote health and raise awareness to prevention methods and early detection of cancer. In September, we inaugurated the new oncological emergency facility at Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, in a festive ceremony attended by the President of Israel, where we also marked the opening of the annual 'Door Knock®' fundraising campaign. Having been forced to cancel the fundraising campaign in 2023, this year, the campaign took place in the shadow of war. The funds we managed to raise, as well as additional donations received by the ICA, will help us to continue moving forward and defining new goals in our fight against cancer, our activities for patients and survivors as well as promoting health among the public in Israel. I want to thank everyone who took part in our activities in the past year: volunteers, employees, donors and supporters. Your support and dedication inspire and motivate us to continue working for the patients and against the disease. Wishing all a peaceful year.

Best, Prof. Moshe Mittelman Chairman, Israel Cancer Association

4

Israel Cancer Association Executive Board

Prof. Yosef Yarden Ms. Yasmin Lukatz Muriel Matalon, Esq. Mr. Zvi Neta Prof. Yosef Klausner

Prof. Aaron Ciechanover Prof. Moshe Mittelman Mr. Leon Recanati Prof. Eliezer Robinson Prof. Miriam Ben-Arush Prof. Baruch Brenner

ICA Director General Moshe Bar Haim

Prof. Ido Wolf Prof. Sigal Tal

ICA's Fight against Cancer Fiscal Year 2024 Budget Breakdown (in Thousand ILS)

Medical and Social Services 2,730

Organization, Administration and Branch Offices 5,141

Research and Clinical Protocols 4,972

Professional Training 768

5.7%

10.8%

10.4%

1.6%

Total Appropriations 47,608

29.6%

41.9%

Public Information and Education and Early Detection

Rehabilitation and Welfare (including the Sir Charles Clore Hostel) 19,950

Programs 14,047

5

Israel Cancer Association // Annual Report 2024

The Israel Cancer Association in Numbers – 2024

Thanks to donations we received in 2024, we were able to continue supporting cancer patients and their families, fight the disease and raise awareness to prevention and early detection methods. Following are some of our achievements:

Research: About 55 million ILS were awarded to fund hundreds of researches by Israeli physicians and scientists during the past decade.

Rehabilitation and Support – Mind-Body: Over 12,000 patients and survivors participated in activities at ICA's 'Strong Together'® support centers; 220 families received counseling services for parents with cancer; about 500 counseling sessions were given as part of ICA's sexual consultation and body image service; about 11,800 mentoring hours for breast cancer patients were given by 'Reach to Recovery'® volunteers; about 600 wigs were distributed to cancer patients; about 50 beauty consultation workshops were held.

Early Detection: About 22,600 screenings were conducted by the ICA mobile mammography unit. Public Information and Health Promotion About 186,000 kindergarten kids received 'Sunsmart'® kits;

Hostel for Cancer Patients:

Activities Supporting Children with Cancer: About 100,000 tutoring hours were given to children with cancer for catching up on schoolwork; about 5,000 volunteer hours were given as social mentoring; more than 90 families participated in the annual ICA family vacation.

about 60,000 students participated in training and activities promoting a healthy lifestyle.

Over 500 patients stayed at the Sir Charles Clore Hostel for patients who reside in the periphery and receive medical treatments in central Israel.

Information: Over 6,000 calls were received by ICA's 'Telemeida'® call center; about 2 million visits to the ICA website; over 74,000 Facebook followers on the ICA Facebook page.

6

Rehabilitation and Support The Israel Cancer Association initiates and runs an extensive variety of rehabilitation and support programs for patients, survivors and their families. The Rehabilitation and Support Department is headed by MSW Orit Spira . Seminars For Patients, Survivors, And Family Members

The Rehabilitation and Support Dept. regularly organizes seminars on diverse subjects related to cancer diseases and their implications, namely treatment modalities, side effects and different coping strategies for the cancer patient and family members. Some of the seminar days are recorded and uploaded to the ICA website. The positive feedback and the warm responses to these seminars verify their significant impact and reinforce the need to continue holding this important activity each year. MSW Orit Spira , Director of the Rehabilitation and Support Department of the Israel Cancer Association, organizes and oversees the ICA’s nationwide seminars, aided by Limor Shraga , Rehabilitation and Support Dept. and 'Reach to Recovery'® Coordinator. • Online lung cancer seminar : Held in January 2024, courtesy of Roche Pharmaceuticals (Israel) Ltd . • Online seminar on sarcomas and neuroendocrine tumor s: Held in February 2024, courtesy of Novartis Israel. • Online seminar on breast cancer among young women : Held in march 2024, courtesy of Roche Pharmaceuticals (israel) ltd .

• Online seminar on gastric cancer : Held in march 2024, courtesy of AstraZeneca Israel. • Frontal seminar on colorectal cancer : Held in March 2024. • Frontal seminar on lung and colorectal cancer in the arab society : Held in June 2024, courtesy of Roche Pharmaceuticals (Israel) Ltd . • Frontal seminar on gastrointestinal cancer : Held in July 2024 in collaboration with Soroka Medical Center. • Frontal seminar on breast cancer – 'celebrating life' : Held in September 2024, courtesy of Roche Pharmaceuticals (Israel) Ltd . • Frontal seminar on hematologic cancer : Held in November 2024 in collaboration with Soroka Medical Center and Halil Ha'Or NGO. • Online seminar on lung cancer : Held in December 2024 in collaboration with Hadassah Medical Center, courtesy of Roche Pharmaceuticals (Israel) Ltd . • Online seminar on lung cancer : Held in December 2024 in collaboration with Assuta Medical Center, courtesy of Roche Pharmaceuticals (Israel) Ltd .

"Yad Lehachlama" ® (Reach To Recovery)

"Yad Lehachalma"® is a national service volunteer group comprised of hundreds of women who have coped with breast cancer and assist new breast cancer patients through the stages of detection, coping and life routine, as well as those with metastatic breast

cancer. "Yad Lehachalma"® volunteers are assigned to each patient according to similar demographic statistics, language and the type of treatment, and provide support, information and accompaniment to women diagnosed with breast cancer. They

7

Israel Cancer Association // Annual Report 2024

undergo professional training and can direct the new patients to the appropriate professionals and ICA activities on topics such as rights, support groups, survivors’ workshops, wig fitting and more. The ICA Rehabilitation and Support Department accompanies these volunteers throughout the year, and organizes continuing education courses, professional meetings and team building days. "Yad Lehachalma"® activity is coordinated by Limor Shraga , ICA’s Rehabilitation and Support Department Coordinator. The volunteers were invited to an annual conference on breast cancer, held on September 19th, 2024, under the title – "Celebrating Life." The conference was led by Prof. Shani Paluch Shimon . Lectures on various topics included: • Innovation and update in early-stage breast cancer – Dr. Noa Efrat Ben Baruch • Update on metastatic breast cancer – Dr. Ofra Maimon • Why occupational Therapy? – Shira Krauss, OT Look Good – Feel Better ® in Honor of the Late Dr. Francine Robinson The 'Look Good, Feel Better'® project was initiated and led by the late Dr. Francine Robinson (PhD) , as a volunteer, and is part of an international project founded in the U.S. As part of the project, cancer patients are given beauty treatments, makeovers, and hair styling. All the cosmetologists and stylists volunteer their services in cancer treatment wards, hospital outpatient wards, and ICA branches in the community. Some 85 beauticians and estheticians are part of the project and provide services to more than 4,000 women and men across Israel. The service is currently offered in 30 medical centers around the country and in the community.

• 'Crossing the Finish Line', a story of change and rehabilitation – Moran Samuel , paralympic athlete and medalist. Lectures for Companies and Organizations As part of our healthy lifestyle and cancer risk reduction activity, the ICA runs complimentary lectures in companies, organizations and institutions on 'Breast Cancer – early detection and reduced risk of cancer'. This year, the activity was held online as well as frontally, including a lecture by a breast health nurse on behalf of the ICA and a personal story by a 'Yad Lehachalma'® volunteer. The volunteers also participated in the annual lectures for physiotherapy students in the various medical centers. This year, the volunteers who participated in the lectures and told their personal story were Ditza Katzir, Michal Barkai, Sharon Nishri, Anat Melamed, Malka Ben Moshe, Michal Geller and Hanna Hofler . ICA Beauty Rooms The purpose of this project is to provide patients coping with cancer with beauty treatments that will improve their overall feeling, help them cope with the side effects of the treatments, such as dryness of skin, paleness and hair loss, while making their time pleasant by offering a pampering, relaxing treatment. Aside from the personal beauty treatments, about 20 workshops are held each year for children with cancer, mothers of children with cancer and women with cancer – at ICA branches across the country and in oncology units at the various medical centers. The project volunteers also meet up for team building, empowerment and passing on professional instructions. The ICA partners up with Alcalil Ltd., Il Makiage, Yarin Shahaf and L'Oréal Israel – La Roche Posay , who

Workshops, Activities, and Services for Cancer Patients and Survivors

8

ICA 'Steps to a Healthy Life'® Project 'Steps to a Healthy Life'® project has been operating nationally for the past 17 years. Its goal is to expose people who have suffered from cancer – adults, children, and their loved ones – to the health benefits of physical activity, encourage structured physical activity as part of one’s everyday routine, and provide professional advice to those who opt to participate in the project. The program includes group training by licensed physiotherapists. The program runs in the oncology and hematology array in 22 medical centers across Israel, as well as in some gyno-oncology and radiation departments, with over 10,000 patients participating in it this year. Barzilai Medical Center also runs an aquatic fitness activity in its rehabilitation center swimming pool – a special program as part of this project. The ‘Steps to a Healthy Life’® project is managed and run by MSW Orit Spira , the ICA Rehabilitation and Support Department Director, RN Rina Dikhel , an oncology nurse and clinical expert in palliative care at the ICA, and RN Livia Kislev , ICA Head Nurse. The professional authority in charge of the ‘Steps to a Healthy Life®’ project and ICA advisor on a voluntary basis is Prof. Naama Constantini , an expert in family and sports medicine and Director of the Sports Medicine Center, Shaare Tzedek Medical Center. ICA 'Survivors towards a Healthy Life' ® Workshops This workshop includes six sessions aimed at improving survivors and their families' quality of life, guide them in adopting healthy habits and support them in returning to a full, active life. The activity is designed for patients, survivors and their families, and is free of charge. The workshop includes lectures on the following topics: • Coping with side effects of the oncology treatments • Proper diet after coping with cancer • Intimacy and sexuality

provide beauty and make up trainings by the brand's makeup artists at ICA branches on a voluntary basis. Linda Yadai from our rehabilitation and Support Dept., collects donated cosmetics and accessories from beauty suppliers as well as other vendors as complimentary gifts for patients. Wig Service Another important service is lending free wigs to patients. Complementary wig fitting centers are located at the ICA headquarters in Givatayim, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center in Tel Aviv, at Nazareth Towers Medical Center and at the ICA branches in Dimona, Haifa, Jerusalem, Beer Sheba, Ashdod, Kfar Saba, Netanya, Bat-Yam, Karmiel, Kiryat Motzkin and Migdal Haemek. Any oncology patient can receive a wig and/or have a wig treated free of charge, with no need of security payment or any other condition.

The project coordinator, Linda Yadai , raised hundreds of wigs for the project. The wigs donated to the ICA are treated and organized by the department team. Rivka Zehavi Wigs assists in fitting and treating as well as donating the wigs.

9

Israel Cancer Association // Annual Report 2024

• A hands-on make up and beauty workshop by the 'Look Good, Feel Better'® project • The effects of chemotherapy on memory • Emotional resilience while coping with cancer 'Survivors Towards a Healthy Life'® workshops are run by MSW Orit Spira , ICA Rehabilitation and Support Department Director, with the help of ICA’s regional social workers. The workshops are held at medical centers and 'Strong Together'® support centers at ICA branches across the country. • During February and March 2024, an online 'Survivors Towards a Healthy Life'® workshop was led and • During March to June 2024, a frontal workshop 'Survivors Towards a Healthy Life'® was held at the ICA Kiryat Bialik branch, coordinated and guided by the Northern District Social Worker, Ariela Shouva • During the months of March – June 2024, a frontal 'Survivors Towards a Healthy Life'® workshop was held for breast cancer patients and survivors at ICA's branch in Kiryat Bialik in collaboration with Meir Medical Center. The workshop was coordinated by MSW Orit Spira, ICA Rehabilitation and Support Department Director, and led by RN Livia Kislev , ICA Head Nurse. The workshop was held courtesy of Novartis and La Roche . Activities for Children and Adolescents with Cancer coordinated by Southern Region Social Worker Miri Mor Yosef .

'Hope For Life Project'® – Completing Schoolwork

to provide a supportive environment and enable them to return to school when appropriate. Some 80 student mentors from all over Israel engage in the project, helping the children catch up on schoolwork, to ensure a smooth transition back into the school environment when they are able to return. The mentors are also in contact with the schools to help them navigate the material studied in class, which they missed due to their treatments. The responses of the mentors and the families are highly positive, and these connections give the children and their families strength to forge ahead. This year, about 315 children participated in the project, with a total of about 100,000 tutoring hours per year. Linda Yadai , the project coordinator, is in charge of assigning the students and communicating with the families. ICA Family Vacation at Neve Ilan Hotel Each August, the Israel Cancer Association hosts its annual family vacation, with more than 90 families participating. The children and their parents arrived at Neve Ilan Hotel

Maor Kierra and Or Yaakov Cardinal, 'Hope for Life'® mentor and student

The project pairs mentors with the suitable skills, who have undergone special training, with young cancer patients who are often absent from school because of their disease. The tutors help the children stay on track with the curriculum being taught at school. The project’s main goal is to ensure that these children do not fall behind because of their disease. ICA's social workers maintain continuous contact throughout the academic year with children whose health condition does not allow them to attend their studies, in order

10

Linda Yadai , the project's coordinator, aids them in the assignment and administrative process and is communicating with the parents and scholarship recipients. Nationwide Counseling, Guidance and Support for Children with Brain Tumors The ICA neuro-psychological service focuses on child cancer patients with brain damage. Most cases involve children who were diagnosed with brain tumors, followed by neurosurgery along with chemotherapy and radiation. The purpose of this service is to help the recovering children reintegrate into family life, their social scene and routine, even when communication with the hospital is interrupted or is not continuous due to the child's recovery. The service includes full neuropsychological evaluations, initial rehabilitative program, liaison to the educational institution, parental training, and therapy sessions for the children, and work with all population sectors in Israel in a mindful approach to language and culture. The service also caters to children with leukemia who receive aggressive chemotherapy which affects brain development processes. About 90 children received individual and family counseling, evaluations, training for their school teams and the community during the year. Dr. Michelle Sadeh (PhD) , an expert rehabilitation psychologist specializing in neuro-psycho-oncology, coordinates the service along rehabilitation psychologist Moran Har Even and three rehabilitation psychology interns. The service is recognized by the Ministry of Health for specialization in rehabilitation psychology. The service is made possible thanks to a collaboration between the ICA and medical centers with pediatric oncology units across the country. ‘Give Kids the World’ Project Honoring the Memory of the Late Miri Sheetrit As part of this project, families who have a child with advanced-stage cancer are invited for a week to the Give Kids the World village in Orlando FL.

nestled in the Jerusalem Mountains, for three days of fun, rest, and respite from the disease and treatments, allowing them to rejuvenate and gather strength to continue facing the long, complex trajectory ahead. During the vacation, the children and their families enjoyed live shows, fire acts, table games, Gymboree, a fountain pool and a swimming pool.

Social and Scholastic Support Scholarship students who are part of ICA’s support array help solitary cancer patients, children diagnosed with cancer, healthy children of a parent coping with cancer, and healthy siblings of a child with cancer. They also volunteer in various oncology units across Israel. The project recruits students who are members of the IMPACT! and SHAHAK programs as well as the HESEG F oundation . This year, about 62 students participated from IMPACT , about 20 from SHAHAK and 10 students from HESEG . In addition to personal connection with the students throughout the year, two group meetings are held in each one of the regions, giving the volunteers a chance to share their experiences, doubts, difficulties, sense of satisfaction, and the personal and social benefit of the project. The project runs from September to June each year. MSW Dahlia Stern is the national coordinator of the project, which is supervised and professionally advised by ICA’s regional social workers: Dana Rechavi-Heller , Central District, Miri Mor-Yosef , Southern District, and Ariela Shouva , Northern District, who train and supervise the students throughout the year based on their area of residence.

11

Israel Cancer Association // Annual Report 2024

‘A Computer for Every Child’ Project Every school year, the Israel Cancer Association provides dozens of laptop computers to children (aged nine and above) with cancer, who don't have a computer at home and whose family cannot afford to buy one. The computers are distributed across Israel, allowing children to play, study, and stay in touch with their friends and teachers even while they are bed-ridden. In 2024, 35 laptops were distributed to child cancer patients. David Moss-Rendel , the ICA’s Computer Department Director and his computer department team, aided with the computers’ installation. ICA’s Maintenance Dept. helped distribute the computers across the country. This program is made possible with assistance from the Avigdor Ben-Eliezer Memorial Fund and the Issar Fishel Memorial Fund . 'A Computer for Every Child' is coordinated by Linda Yadai . Fun-Filled Days, Performances and Activities for Children with Cancer and Children whose Parent Has Cancer The ICA runs activities for children with cancer or children who have a parent coping with cancer, There is an expectation for survivors to return to a normal life routine after oncological treatment, as it was before they were diagnosed with cancer. However, things change due to the treatments and coping with the consequences of the disease continues. Some survivors are unable to do things they previously did with ease, and some even experience emotional and physical difficulties because of the long trajectory of coping with the disease. The oncological rehabilitation program for survivors is designed to help them cope with the mind-body effects of the disease and treatments. The program includes tailored physical activity, guided by an expert rehabilitation physiotherapist, over three months (12 weeks), including 24 sessions. In addition, we

such as amusement parks, various live performances and more. The activities are coordinated by Limor Shraga, the ICA’s Rehabilitation and Support Department and ‘Yad Lehachlama®’ Coordinator. 'Young Adults Embarking on Life'® Group The 'Young Adults Embarking on Life'® group continues to hold meetings and activities at ICA's Beit Mati headquarters, under the guidance of MSW Dalia Stern and Rehabilitation psychologist Moran Har Even . The group is designed for young singles aged 20-35, who became sick at a challenging time in their life. The group is a source of inspiration, strength, and support that is so vital to these young adults who were diagnosed with cancer just as they were embarking on adulthood, in helping them reclaim a 'normal' life. The group, which adds about 60 new members each year, meets once a week at the 'Strong Together'® center at Beit Mati in Givatayim. The ICA also runs trainings and mutual volunteering for new young adult members. offer participants online lectures on topics related to rehabilitation and individual counseling sessions as needed. Lecture topics: • Counseling by an oncological nutritionist. • Emotional support meetings, group or individual. • Individual sexual counseling by a sex therapist. • Consultation with an occupational therapist. Participants in the oncological rehabilitation program are also invited to take part in the activities of ICA's 'Strong Together'® support centers, which offer support groups, guidance on various topics, mind body workshops, enrichment and leisure activities, seminars, and more.

Oncological Rehabilitation

12

ICA's Israel Ostomy Association

The ICA extensive activity on behalf of stoma patients continues as per each year, and includes phone consultation for stoma patients and their family members, coordination of volunteer activities for stoma patients, meetings of the 'Young Adults with an Ostomy’ group, an annual conference for stoma patients, the production of the Pithon Peh (literally “a chance to speak”) journal designed for stoma patients, and activities for stoma nurses. Throughout the year, the ICA’s Israel Ostomy Association holds 'Young Adults with an Ostomy’ group meetings at Mati House, the ICA’s headquarters in Givatayim, led by MSW Dana Rechavi-Heller , Central District Regional Social Worker, and RN Rina Dikhel , ICA Oncology Nurse and clinical expert in Palliative Care. Staff in charge: RN Livia Kislev , ICA Head Nurse and RN Rina Dikhel , ICA Oncology Nurse and clinical expert in Palliative Care. National Service for Parental Training (or grandparents) when One Parent Has Cancer When one of the parents is diagnosed with cancer, the entire family, including the children, goes into a long, complex coping period. Sometimes, to protect their children, parents choose to hide information to try and prevent anxiety and hardship from them. The Israel Cancer Association runs this counseling service to ease the parents’hardship during this difficult time and help the family by providing information and support. Parents are given the tools, guidance, and help to face questions such as how to tell the children, how to handle the treatment period, crises, sickness and more. The service is provided by psycho oncology professionals led by MSW Orit Spira , Director of the Rehabilitation and Support Dept., and MSW Dana Rechavi-Heller , the ICA’s Central District Social

Counseling, Training, and Information

Worker. The service is provided nationwide. About 220 training sessions were given to families this year. National Tax Consultation Services The Israel Cancer Association’s Rehabilitation and Support Dept. provides tax consultation services to cancer patients nation-wide by certified tax consultants. Consultation is available on a volunteer basis and free of charge to anyone who has already been granted a degree of disability due to cancer by the National Insurance Institute’s medical committee. About 100 consultation meetings were held during this year. Legal Consultation Services The Israel Cancer Association’s Rehabilitation and Support Dept. provides guided, informative legal consultation services to cancer patients ahead of National Insurance medical committees, on matters

13

Israel Cancer Association // Annual Report 2024

Managing the service is Information Specialist Jessica Bresler along with the Information Center team, aided by MSW Orit Spira , Director of the Rehabilitation and Support Department. Personalized Assistance Financial Aid – Personalized financial assistance is provided to patients dealing with significant psycho social difficulties and complex socio-economic situations resulting from cancer during the first year after diagnosis. This assistance is one-time only and is intended for complex and difficult social cases. Funding Counseling – Flexible assistance that can be adapted to the different needs of the patient, such as individual therapy, family therapy, parental training, or sexual counseling. The service is provided based on medical and financial criteria and only if there is no suitable service available through public service, HMOs, local authorities, private insurance, etc., and after exhausting the array of counseling and services provided by the ICA. The counseling package includes a series of up to 12 sessions with psychotherapists in the field of psycho-oncology – social workers, psychologists, sex therapists, and the like. ‘Teletmicha’®: Emotional First Response for Cancer Patients, Survivors, and Family Members The ICA’s Teletmicha® support hotline is supervised by MSW Orit Spira , the ICA’s Director of Rehabilitation and Support. Calls to Teletmicha® are routed to the social workers, and according to needs, to nursing, rehabilitation, and sexuality professionals. Live response is provided in Hebrew, Arabic, Russian, and English.

solely stemming from the disease. Consultation is available on a volunteer basis and free of charge nationwide by a lawyer. About 60 consultation meetings were held during the year. Sexual Consultation for Cancer Patients and their Partners The Israel Cancer Association offers sexual consultation on body image, sexuality, intimacy and fertility for cancer patients and their partners, as well as singles – of all ages. The consultation includes information about the effects of cancer on sexuality and fertility, cancer treatment and sexual rehabilitation as well as referral to other professional experts. The service is provided by Lena Kurtz-Almog , ICA’s Sex Therapist, and RN Livia Kislev , ICA Head Nurse. Throughout the year, the ICA organizes seminars on sexuality and fertility, professional trainings and lectures for survivors as part of ‘Survivors towards a Healthy Life’® workshops. About 500 frontal, phone and online consultation meetings were held this year. Hotline for Cancer Patients' Healthcare Rights An ICA national service operating through the Public Information Department in collaboration with the Rehabilitation and Support Department. The service is designed to help cancer patients access their healthcare rights. The hotline team provides information and assistance on topics such as exercising rights under the National Health Insurance Law, the HMOs service basket, supplementary insurance plans and hospitals, as well as guidance on medication approvals, financial reimbursements, and more. This service, provided free of charge like ICA services, is open to all cancer patients in Israel and operates under the ICA Information Center.

14

‘Strong Together’® Activity and Support Centers

The Israel Cancer Association's 'Strong Together'® support centers operate in Givatayim, Jerusalem, Haifa, Afula, and Beer Sheva and in ICA branches across the country. The centers serve as a home in the community for patients, survivors, and their family members and offer a variety of support, information, enrichment and leisure activities such as music, art and painting, mind-body workshops such as yoga, Pilates, Nia, Qi-Kong, Feldenkrais, body sculpting and strength training, which help them cope with the emotional and psychological challenge of being sick. The centers are also designed for patients who have completed their active treatment but still need support and rehabilitation. All patient and family members' activities are free of charge. The centers also host trainings and sessions for professionals and students, as well as seminars for cancer patients and survivors. The 'Strong Together'® support centers

across the country are run by MSW Orit Spira , ICA's Rehabilitation and Support Director, with assistance from the regional and district social workers: • MSW Ariela Shouva oversees the support center activities in the northern ICA branches and in the Ruthi Vrubell Schneider 'Strong Together'® center in Afula. • MSW Nechi Feingold oversees the support center activities in Haifa. • MSW Dana Rechavi-Heller oversees the support center activities in the central region ICA branches. • MSW Hodaya Wolf oversees the support center activities in the ICA branches in Jerusalem and the vicinity.

• MSW Miri Mor Yosef oversees the support center activities in Beer Sheva and the southern ICA branches. The ‘Strong Together’® Center at ICA Mati House Headquarters, Givatayim The 'Strong Together'® center at Mati House, the ICA's headquarters in Givatayim, offers diverse activities for patients, survivors, and their family members. The center hosts various support groups, workshops, lectures, and mind-body activities. A number of unique support groups are conducted in Givatayim and are open to participants from all over the country:

15

Israel Cancer Association // Annual Report 2024

The Israel Jacob and Layla Alter ‘Strong Together’® Support Center, Jerusalem The Israel Jacob and Layla Alter 'Strong Together'® support center in Jerusalem continues its activities for patients, survivors, and family members in Jerusalem and the surrounding area. The great positive feedback is a testament to the center’s significance and considerable contribution in creating a viable support system and strong friendships among its visitors. ‘Strong Together'® Support Center at Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheva The ICA campus in the Legacy Heritage Oncology Center at Soroka Medical Center includes the ICA branch and the ‘Strong Together'® support center, offering information, mind-body activities, support groups, social activities, and a 'Look Good, Feel Better'® beauty room for wig services and workshops. Another initiative held at the support center is a collaboration with the 'Southern Wind' NGO , which runs an integrative medicine center for cancer patients in the Negev region. Edy’s House - Ma’agan in Beer Sheva is another support center established with the initiative of the Friedman family and Prof. Pesach Schvartzman in conjunction with Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, the Beer Sheva Municipality, and the Israel Cancer Association.

• ‘Young Adults Embarking on Life’® - a nationwide support group for singles aged 20-35 • A group for young women (aged 30-55) coping with cancer • A group for young couples (aged 30-55) in which one partner has cancer • A group for women coping with metastatic breast cancer • A group for bereaved parents who accompany an adult child with cancer • A group for bereaved parents who lost their child (young or adult) to cancer • A group for adult children who lost a parent to cancer • A group for adults who lost their siblings to cancer • A group for family members • Bereavement and loss groups for widowers The Claire and Emmanuel G. Rosenblatt ‘Strong Together’® Center at the Aaron and Olga Rosenfeld House, Haifa The Strong Together® center in Haifa offers a wide range of activities for patients, survivors, and family members, such as support groups, workshops, mind body activities, and lectures. The ongoing collaboration between the center and teams at the medical centers in the Haifa area aims to strengthen the connection between the community, the center, and the ICA Haifa branch. The Israel Cancer Association’s education and training center for medical and psycho-oncology teams is under the professional guidance of MSW Orit Spira, ICA’s Director of Rehabilitation and Support Dept. Limor Shraga offers administrative guidance as coordinator of the Rehabilitation and Support Dept. and 'Reach to Recovery'® program. The education center offers courses and training for professionals and students. The ICA is recognized by

ICA Education Center

the Ministry of Education for continuing education remuneration. The professional courses are funded by the ICA, and are a vital part of the ICA's activity in training professionals in the unique field of treating cancer patients and their families. The training is oncology-dedicated and is not available in any academic track. • Between March and May 2024, a continuing education program for oncological nutritionists was held in

16

Linda Yadai , coordinator of the 'Look Good Feel Better' project. • In June 2024, a training day was held for the advanced nursing course from Wolfson Medical Center. The training day was coordinated by ICA Head Nurse RN Livia Kislev , and RN Rina Dikhel , ICA Oncology Nurse and clinical expert in Palliative Care. • Between June and November 2024, a fundamentals training on palliative care was provided for the nursing staff and doctors at the Italian Hospital in Haifa, in preparation for the opening of an inpatient hospice at the hospital in collaboration with the ICA. • In July 2024, a training day was held for the social workers team of Maccabi Health Services, Jerusalem District, coordinated by MSW Dalia Stern . • In August 2024, a training day was held for an advanced nursing course from Rambam Medical Center. The training was held at the ICA's branch in Haifa, and coordinated by ICA's the Rehabilitation and Support Dept.'s nursing and social workers team in the northern region. • During May and June 2024, training was provided for breast care nurse coordinators and community nurses on breast cancer. The training was coordinated by ICA Head Nurse RN Livia Kislev , and RN Rina Dikhel , ICA Oncology Nurse and clinical expert in Palliative Care. • During November 2024, training was held for speech therapists. The training was coordinated by ICA Head Nurse RN Livia Kislev , and Speech Therapist Frida Kornbrut . • During September 2024, training was held for nutritionists on psycho-oncology. The training was coordinated by Livia Kislev , ICA Head Nurse and Social Worker Dr. Shlomit Perry . • During September 2024, an online psycho-oncology course was held for nutritionists in the community from Leumit and Meuchedet HMOs. The training was coordinated by ICA Head Nurse RN Livia Kislev , and RN Rina Dikhel , ICA Oncology Nurse and clinical expert in Palliative Care.

collaboration with the Atid NGO nutritionists. The program focused on providing advanced, up-to-date, and detailed knowledge in the field of oncology and expanding clinical knowledge and evidence based tools for nutritional therapy. The program was coordinated by Livia Kislev , ICA Head Nurse, and Rina Dikhel , an expert oncological and palliative care nurse at the Association, in collaboration with the dietitian team from the Atid Association. A training was held in January 2023 on the foundation of palliative care for all patients at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in collaboration with the ICA. The training was coordinated by ICA Head Nurse RN Livia Kislev , and RN Rina Dikhel , ICA Oncology Nurse and clinical expert in Palliative Care, in conjunction with Atid NGO's nutrition team. • In March 2024, a training day was held for community stoma nurses. The training was coordinated by Livia Kislev , ICA Head Nurse at the Association, and RN Rina Dikhel , ICA Oncology Nurse and clinical expert in Palliative Care. • Between March and April 2024, training was conducted for lymphatic physiotherapists in collaboration with the Lymphedema Association. • Between May and July 2024, training was held for the palliative nursing staff of Meuhedet HMO. The training was coordinated by ICA Head Nurse RN Livia Kislev , and RN Rina Dikhel , ICA Oncology Nurse and clinical expert in Palliative Care, in conjunction with the HMO nursing staff. • In May 2024, a seminar was held on innovations in research, treatment, and guidelines for women after breast cancer surgery. The seminar was organized by the Department of Physiotherapy at Ariel University in collaboration with the ICA's nurses from the Rehabilitation and Support Department. • During May and June 2024, training was held for beauticians on onco-cosmetics. The training was conducted in collaboration with Dr. Dov Klein's Cosmetics Center, and coordinated by ICA Head Nurse RN Livia Kislev, RN Rina Dikhel , ICA Oncology Nurse and clinical expert in Palliative Care, and

17

Israel Cancer Association // Annual Report 2024

• In November 2024, a training day was held for the advanced nursing course from Meir Medical Center. The training day was coordinated by ICA Head Nurse RN Livia Kislev , and RN Rina Dikhel , ICA Oncology Nurse and clinical expert in Palliative Care. • Between November 2024 and January 2025, a course for continued education credits was held on promoting sexual health of cancer patients. The training was intended for professionals in the fields of nursing and psycho-oncology. The training was coordinated by Lena Kurtz Almog , ICA Sex Therapist, ICA Head Nurse RN Livia Kislev , and Limor Shraga , Administrative Coordinator of the Department. • Between November 2024 and January 2025, a course for continued education credits was held on psycho oncology, covering theoretical approaches and clinical aspects, led by Dr. Shlomit Perry . The course was intended for social workers and psychologists treating cancer patients in the healthcare system. The training was coordinated by Department Head MSW Orit Spira and Limor Shraga , Administrative Coordinator of the Department. • Between November 2024 and January 2025, training was held for advanced social workers in oncology, led by Dr. Shlomit Perry . The training was designed for experienced social workers working with oncology patients. The training was coordinated by Department Head MSW Orit Spira and Limor Shraga , Administrative Coordinator of the Department. Israel Psycho-Oncology Association The Israel Psycho-Oncology Association, which gathers professionals from the field of oncology, such as social workers, psychologists, etc. in collaboration with the ICA, held an online seminar and a full-day workshop for professionals in the field of psycho-oncology.

In May 2024, a workshop event was held on the topic of 'innovative interventions in cancer patients and their families'. The event included the following workshops: • Between pain and pain expression – bibliotherapy in coping with cancer, led by Dr. Lior Granot . • Treatment using the Imago method – based on the teachings of Dr. Harville Hendrix , led by Orit Admon-Schieffer . The workshop event was coordinated by Department Head MSW Orit Spira , and Dr. Siwar Makhoul Khoury , chairperson of the Israeli Association for Psycho Oncology. Student Training Center Upon commencement of the academic school year, the ICA training center at Mati House in Givatayim opened its doors to social work and psychology students. The instructors are ICA Central Region MSW Dana Rechavi-Heller , MSW Dalia Stern , Scholarship Recipients' coordinator in charge of ICA Services in the Community, and Neuro-Psycho-Oncology Rehabilitation Psychologist Dr. Michal Sadeh . The students receive training on how to conduct private sessions with patients. MSW Miri Mor Yosef also trained and guided the social work students at ICA's Beer Sheva branch. Interest Groups As part of its activities, the Rehabilitation and Support Department holds periodic meetings for palliative, ostomy and breath health nurses to discuss a specific nursing topic. The groups are coordinated by RN Livia Kislev , ICA Head Nurse and RN Rina Dikhel , Oncology Nurse and ICA Palliative Care Specialist.

18

Sir Charles Clore Hostel for Cancer Patients

The Sir Charles Clore Hostel was established by the ICA in Givatayim in 1976, with the generous contribution of the late Sir Charles Clore . The hostel is maintained with the assistance of the Clore Foundation and is operated by the Israel Cancer Association. The hostel admits cancer patients who receive treatment in the oncology units of the largest medical centers located in central Israel. Each morning, the patients are transported to their treatments in the medical centers. They return to the hostel towards mid-day for rest, meals, nursing care and recovery. The hostel nursing staff is available 24/7, providing professional supervision as well as dedicated nursing oncology care, managed by Head Nurse Maya Oslander . The hostel is located in a peaceful neighborhood in Givatayim, adjacent to the ICA Headquarters at Beit Mati and near the Givatayim Mall. The building is

surrounded by a beautifully groomed garden, with a relaxing outdoor spot with fishpond and water plants. Guests can enjoy pleasant, clean and air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV and private bathrooms and showers. The beds and showers are installed with panic buttons for calling the nurses if needed. There is a modest dining room where patients enjoy healthy, delicious meals catered to their nutritional needs. There is also a library containing books in Hebrew, Russian, English and Spanish, and a keyboard for the patients’ use as well as for performances in the culture hall. The treatment period can be challenging for cancer patients emotionally, and they may feel lonely during the treatment and recovery period. The hostel activities in the common spaces, dining room and social lounges help them to ease the hardship. The recreation activities

include arts and crafts, lectures, physical activity and concerts by ICA volunteers. With the ongoing war in the south and north of Israel, patients were forced to leave the medical centers where they were being treated and find alternate solutions. Evacuated patients who arrived at the hostel were allowed to have their partner stay with them. The hostel has a spacious, air-conditioned underground shelter with bathrooms, water, first air gear, and food. The referral to the hostel is coordinated through the oncology units or wards in which the patients are hospitalized, via hospital staff, social worker, nurse, physician and radiation technician. Admission to the hostel is conditional upon receiving a Form 17 exemption for a stay at the hostel with no cost to the patient. An escort may join the patient for a cost, based on availability.

19

Israel Cancer Association // Annual Report 2024

Medical Services and Innovative Projects to Improve Patient Services and Treatment

The ICA promotes innovative programs to improve treatment and rehabilitation methods for cancer patients. These innovative projects enhance the level of services provided to cancer patients, while prioritizing unique projects directly related to the treatment of patients, survivors and their families. The 5-year funding for professional posts in medical centers across Israel has helped upgrade the entire

multi-specialty psycho-social oncology care network for cancer patients. The ICA has established a network of Community Oncology Nurses, Ostomy Care Nurses, Breast Care Nurses and Social Worker Coordinators, Patient Navigators, and psycho-oncological staff members, who receive ongoing professional training provided by the ICA.

ICA Supported Oncology Services in Medical Institutions and Community Settings

For many years, the ICA has invested efforts in upgrading the onoclogy care network in order to enhance services offered to cancer patients and their families, by allocating funds for projects and posts for healthcare professionals (nurses, social workers, nutritionists, etc.) The ICA offers

5-year funding for professional positions, provided that each oncology center continues employing the healthcare professional upon completion of this period. Posts are currently approved only for new services that have recently been established.

ICA's assistance has enabled the establishment of a significant infrastructure of psycho-oncological services and dedicated nursing services established in the oncology array. A network of oncological care coordinating nurses in the community, stoma nurses, breat health nurses and social workers for coordinating breast cancer treatment, nutritionists, and psycho-oncological teams was established, all of whom receive ongoing professional training through by the ICA.

20