Burnout is an increasingly pressing concern for the oncology community. Recognising the critical need to support healthcare professionals, the ESMO Resilience Task Force organised a dedicated workshop earlier this year in Barcelona, Spain. The event provided a platform to address mental health challenges, burnout risk factors, and resilience strategies while fostering a peer network to drive well-being and transformation within the oncology workforce, building on the recently published evidence-based ESMO Resilience Task Force recommendations to manage psychosocial risks, optimise well-being, and reduce burnout in oncology.
Co-chaired by Prof. Susana Banerjee and Dr. Claire Hardy, the workshop—held upon application—brought together more than 60 participants from 27 different countries, a well-sized group that facilitated meaningful discussions while reflecting the global relevance of the issue. While the majority hailed from Europe, attendees also represented other regions, underscoring the universal nature of the topic.
Discussions at the workshop highlighted that an overwhelmed oncology workforce is a widespread issue, affecting professionals across backgrounds, career stages, and geographic regions. This situation negatively impacts not only healthcare providers but also their patients and colleagues. Participants acknowledged the challenge of seeking help due to the stigma surrounding mental health despite the critical need for support, emphasising that initiatives to care for the carers—like the ESMO Resilience Task Force workshop—ultimately benefit professionals, patients, the healthcare system, and the broader oncology community.
A key takeaway from the workshop was that only a systemic action at multiple levels could bring a much-needed change driving a real solution. Stakeholders—including health institutions, national and international organisations, and governments—must proactively address workforce well-being in their agendas. Participants emphasised the importance of ongoing monitoring of workforce burnout and the implementation of tailored support to foster resilience which in turn can lead to reduced staff attrition, increased job satisfaction, and ensuring sustainable healthcare systems and patient care.
There is growing concern that inadequate work-life balance and work-related stress negatively impact well-being, job satisfaction, and the quality of cancer care. Burnout is now widely recognised as a key issue requiring urgent attention at both individual and organisational levels.
Commenting on the significance of the workshop, the ESMO Director of Public Policy Jean-Yves Blay, welcomed the opportunity to discuss burnout and mental health within the oncology community: "This issue must be addressed at a higher level. ESMO is committed to bringing it to the attention of EU institutions to ensure this remains an ongoing commitment rather than a topic that appears sporadically on the EU agenda."
Through initiatives such as this workshop and the #ESMO4Carers campaign, ESMO continues to advocate for a healthier, more resilient oncology workforce, reinforcing its commitment to supporting those who dedicate their lives to cancer care.