Survey of healthcare professionals’ awareness of appearance care for Japanese cancer patients and their institutions’ appearance care systems: report from the Japan Society of Clinical Oncology

Background: Appearance care enables cancer patients to maintain social connections during treatment, but it remains an unmet need in Japan. We surveyed healthcare professionals in Japan to collect information on their awareness of appearance care and their institutions’ appearance care systems. Methods: From November 1 to December 13, 2022, we performed an online survey of 16,838 members of the Japan Society of Clinical Oncology. Results: We received responses from 807 members (671(83%) physicians; 65(8%) pharmacists; 45(6%) nurses; 22(3%) dentists; and 4(0.5%) others), 72% of whom were men and 28%, women. Among respondents, 93% (n = 749//807) had been asked by patients about appearance care, and 46% (n = 318/693) of the physicians and dentists had refused to perform treatment or changed it because of its effects on physical appearance. Only 59% (n = 410) of physicians and dentists were familiar with the term appearance care, but 100% (n = 45) of nurses and 97% (n = 63) of pharmacists were. Among all respondents, 26% reported that their institution had a specialized department and specific personnel for appearance care. In some cases, physicians and dentists had difficulty communicating correct information to patients, and other healthcare professionals compensated for this deficit. Conclusion: The survey revealed that physicians have low awareness of appearance care. It was suggested that communication and a team approach between physicians and other healthcare professionals is recommended. Each medical facility may be encouraged to establish a sustainable system for providing information on appearance care in that patients or medical personnel themselves can easily consult. Activities are also needed to raise awareness about appearance care among physicians.