Oncology, shortage alarm: people and means are needed for the future of care
The gap in medical specialists can only be filled in the next three to five years, but the issue of nurses remains open, with at least 175,000 nurses missing, threatening to compromise the multidisciplinary oncology network and the quality of patient care
The shortage of professionals in oncology is one of the most urgent issues for Italian healthcare.
As hospital chiefs (Cipomo), we addressed it during the national congress of the Association of Medical Oncology in Rome, in a joint session with Aiom, Airo and Siapec. The shared analysis revealed a complex picture, in which the progressive growth in demand for treatments is counterbalanced by a constant reduction in the medical and nursing workforce.
Peripheries 'discovered'
In our country, the overall shortage of over 5,000 doctors also involves oncology, where there are approximately five specialists per 100,000 inhabitants, among the lowest densities in Europe. According to the joint OECD-European Union report 'Country Cancer Profile 2025 - Italy', although there is an average annual increase of 7%, the number of oncologists is still insufficient, especially in peripheral areas. Projections indicate that the gap can only be bridged in the next three to five years, but the issue of nurses remains open, with a shortage estimated at at least 175,000: a deficit that risks compromising the multidisciplinary oncology network and the quality of patient care.
An emergency plan
Cipomo proposed a three-pronged plan of action: strengthening training in medical and nursing oncology, making the profession more attractive, and strengthening organisational models based on teamwork. At the same time, the need to invest in intermediate figures such as case managers and to promote greater integration with the territory, including through collaboration with general practitioners, was emphasised.
Too much red tape
Another central theme is the administrative overload that weighs down on hospital oncologists, with more than 40% of working time devoted to non-clinical activities: an obstacle that takes energy away from patient relations and increases the risk of burnout. Added to this is the growing imbalance between professional and personal life, exacerbated by rhythms and responsibilities that now require a major rethinking of working conditions.
In recent years, Italian oncology has built a network of excellence that has been able to guarantee innovation and quality of care. But to sustain this progress, 'men and means' are needed: an integrated vision that combines training, enhancement of skills and planning at national level, to ensure continuity of care and maintain a high level of clinical innovation.
