PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Annette Hasenburg AU - Frederic Amant AU - Leen Aerts AU - Astrid Pascal AU - Patriciu Achimas-Cadariu AU - Vesna Kesic TI - Psycho-Oncology: Structure and Profiles of European Centers Treating Patients With Gynecological Cancer AID - 10.1097/IGC.0b013e31822925db DP - 2011 Nov 01 TA - International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer PG - 1520--1524 VI - 21 IP - 9 4099 - http://ijgc.bmj.com/content/21/9/1520.short 4100 - http://ijgc.bmj.com/content/21/9/1520.full SO - Int J Gynecol Cancer2011 Nov 01; 21 AB - 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.