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Survey Reveals Gaps in Cardio-Oncology Training

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Major Gaps in Cardio-Oncology Education Revealed by Global Survey

ESC Cardio-Oncology 2026 – An international survey presented at the second annual conference of the European Society of Cardiology's Council of Cardio-Oncology has identified significant deficiencies in cardio-oncology education worldwide.

The survey, conducted by the Cardio-Oncologists Of tomorrow Leaders (COOL) group, was distributed to cardiologists, cardiology residents, and other healthcare professionals treating cancer patients. A total of 398 respondents from 63 countries completed the survey, of whom 73% were board-certified cardiologists.

Key Findings

Only 10% of respondents reported exposure to cardio-oncology training during medical school, and just 17% during residency.

  • 87% of respondents reported no availability of formal structured cardio-oncology educational programs at their institution.
  • Access to training opportunities was greater among respondents in academic hospitals and in European countries compared to non-European countries.

Priority Knowledge Areas and Learning Formats

Respondents identified the following as priority areas:

  • Diagnosing cancer therapy-related cardiovascular toxicity
  • Risk stratification
  • Prevention and monitoring

Preferred learning formats included:

  • Fellowships focused on cardio-oncology
  • Webinars
  • University master's degrees
  • Position statements from scientific societies

The ESC and national cardiac societies were seen as the principal organizations to lead education in the field.

Background

Cardio-oncology is a relatively new field aiming to optimize cancer treatment while minimizing cardiovascular toxicity. The ESC established the Council of Cardio-Oncology and published guidelines in 2022. The COOL group was created to engage the next generation of specialists and develop educational strategies.

Statement from the Research Team

"The survey identified profound gaps in cardio-oncology education during medical school and residency and in structured institutional programmes."
— Dr. Massimiliano Camilli, Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, Rome, Italy

Dr. Camilli noted that the recently released ESC Core Curriculum for Cardio-Oncology, together with the ESC Guidelines, facilitate training standardization and provide foundations for new ESC Cardio-Oncology certification.

"Improving cardio-oncology education is a must – across all stages of medical training and all specialities involved – to enable prevention and early management of cardiovascular complications in patients with cancer."