title: Psycho-oncology: structure and profiles of European centers treating patients with gynecological cancer.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Psycho-oncological counseling should be an integrated part of modern cancer therapy. The aim of this study was to assess the structures and interests of psycho-oncology services within European Society of Gynecological Oncology (ESGO) centers.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 2010, a survey, which consisted of 15 questions regarding organization of psycho-oncological services and interests in training and research, was sent to all ESGO-accredited centers (n = 41).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The response rate was 65.8% (27 centers). 96.3% (n = 26) of the surveys came from universities, and 3.7% (n = 1) came from nonacademic institutions. Most of the institutions (92.6%, n = 25) offer psycho-oncological care, mainly by psychologists (64%, n = 16) or psycho-oncologists (48%, n = 12). Fifty-two percent of patients are evaluated for sexual dysfunction as sequelae of their disease or treatment-related adverse effects. Fifty-two percent (n = 14) of institutions offer psychological support for cancer care providers. Eighty-five percent (n = 23) of all centers are interested in psycho-oncological training, and the preferred teaching tools are educational workshops (87%). The main issues of interest are sexual problems in patients with cancer, communication and interpersonal skills, responses of patients and their families, anxiety and adjustment disorders, and palliative care. Eighty-five percent (n = 17) of the 20 institutions look for research in the field of psycho-oncology, and 55% (n = 11) of those are already involved in some kind of research.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although psycho-oncological care is provided in most of the consulted ESGO accredited centers, almost 50% of women lack information about sexual problems. The results of the survey show the need for and interest in psycho-oncology training and research, including sexual dysfunction. Furthermore, psychological support should be offered to all cancer care providers.
authors: Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Centre Freiburg, Hugstetter, Freiburg, Germany. annette.hasenburg@uniklinik-freiburg.de
authors: Annette
authors: A
authors: Hasenburg
authors: Frederic
authors: F
authors: Amant
authors: Leen
authors: L
authors: Aerts
authors: Astrid
authors: A
authors: Pascal
authors: Patriciu
authors: P
authors: Achimas-Cadariu
authors: Vesna
authors: V
authors: Kesic
mesh_terms: D003376:Counseling; D005060:Europe; D005260:Female; D005833:Genital Neoplasms, Female / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*; D011586:Psychology, Clinical / Q000193:education / Q000458:organization & administration*