Awareness and attitude toward cardio-oncology among Japanese gynecologic oncologists in managing patients with endometrial cancer: The Japanese Gynecologic Oncology Group (JGOG) questionnaire surveys

Abstract

Aim

This study aimed to assess the awareness of the concept of “cardio-oncology” and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with endometrial cancer (EC) among the Japanese Gynecologic Oncology Group members.

Methods

An online anonymous survey, which consisted of questions about respondent attributes and cardio-oncology, was conducted twice, in 2022 and 2024. During these surveys, guidelines for the treatment of uterine body neoplasm were published in July 2023.

Results

In 2022, significantly numerous physicians were unaware of cardio-oncology or the increased risk of developing CVD in patients with EC, and 25.3% of them answered that they had no idea about cardio-oncology at all. However, in 2024, the percentage significantly dropped to 8.7%. The number of physicians who were aware that CVD is more common as the cause of death in patients with low-grade EC than the cancer itself was significantly higher in 2024 than in 2022. Similarly, the number of physicians who were aware that the usage of platinum agents could become a risk factor for CVD was significantly higher in 2024. Furthermore, this study reported challenges in the collaboration between oncologists and primary care physicians in the region and in the provision of guidance for preventing metabolic syndrome.

Conclusion

Japanese Gynecologic Oncology Group members' awareness of cardio-oncology was inadequate, but it seemed to be improving, especially after publishing the guideline for the treatment of uterine body neoplasm. Thus, raising awareness of cardio-oncology and managing CVD risk in patients with EC are necessary to improve long-term survival after cancer diagnosis.