Awareness of the impact of sex and gender in the disease risk and outcomes in hematology and medical oncology-a survey of Swiss clinicians.
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BORIS DOI
Publisher DOI
PubMed ID
38258483
Description
BACKGROUND
Although male and female cancer patients are distinct in many ways, there is a limited understanding in the differences between male and female biology and differing pharmacokinetic responses to cancer drugs. In fact, sex and gender are currently not considered in most treatment decisions in the fields of oncology and hematology. The lack of knowledge about potential sex differences in both disciplines may lead to differences in treatment efficacy, toxicity, and the overall survival (OS) of patients.
AIM
To evaluate their awareness about sex and gender in clinical practice we surveyed Swiss hematologists and oncologists from September to November 2022.
METHODS
We collected data about the clinical knowledge, experimental research, palliative care, quality of life, as well as the participant perception of the importance of sex and gender. We identified 767 eligible clinicians, of whom 150 completed the survey (20% response rate).
RESULTS
While most participants agreed that sex and gender were relevant when treating patients, it became clear that fewer participants knew about sex and gender differences in treatment toxicity and survival, which in turn would affect the treatment of their patients. Most participants agreed that this topic should be integrated into continuing education and research.
CONCLUSION
Our findings indicate the need for more awareness and training on sex and gender in cancer research and clinical care among oncologists and hematologists. Ideally, by better educating medical students and health professionals, a demand is created for improving research policies, publications and therefore patient care.
Although male and female cancer patients are distinct in many ways, there is a limited understanding in the differences between male and female biology and differing pharmacokinetic responses to cancer drugs. In fact, sex and gender are currently not considered in most treatment decisions in the fields of oncology and hematology. The lack of knowledge about potential sex differences in both disciplines may lead to differences in treatment efficacy, toxicity, and the overall survival (OS) of patients.
AIM
To evaluate their awareness about sex and gender in clinical practice we surveyed Swiss hematologists and oncologists from September to November 2022.
METHODS
We collected data about the clinical knowledge, experimental research, palliative care, quality of life, as well as the participant perception of the importance of sex and gender. We identified 767 eligible clinicians, of whom 150 completed the survey (20% response rate).
RESULTS
While most participants agreed that sex and gender were relevant when treating patients, it became clear that fewer participants knew about sex and gender differences in treatment toxicity and survival, which in turn would affect the treatment of their patients. Most participants agreed that this topic should be integrated into continuing education and research.
CONCLUSION
Our findings indicate the need for more awareness and training on sex and gender in cancer research and clinical care among oncologists and hematologists. Ideally, by better educating medical students and health professionals, a demand is created for improving research policies, publications and therefore patient care.
Date of Publication
2024-02
Publication Type
Article
Subject(s)
Keyword(s)
cancer gender hematology oncology sex
Language(s)
en
Contributor(s)
Darphin, Xenia | |
da Silva, Cristina Espinosa | |
Richters, Anke |
Series
Cancer reports
Publisher
Wiley
ISSN
2573-8348
Access(Rights)
open.access