The physician shortage affects all specialties, including oncology. This presents difficult challenges for cancer patients and those who care for them. After all, access to an oncologist means access to evidence-based cancer treatment and professional help dealing with the physical and psychological impact of cancer.
According to the American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO), there were 13,146 oncologists engaged in active patient care in the United States in 2021. Some cities are flush with oncologists; however, 32 million Americans live in a county with no oncologists. ASCO projects a shortage for more than 2,200 oncologists by 2025.
A dearth of young oncologists is driving the looming oncologist shortage.
According to ASCO, approximately 1 in 5 practicing oncologists is nearing retirement age – and only 14.5% of cancer physicians are early-care oncologists. If current trends continue, more oncologists will be leaving than entering the profession in the coming years.
Unfortunately, the need for oncologists is projected to grow at the same time the physician workforce is predicted to shrink. Demand for cancer treatment is expected to grow by 40% over the next few years as the American population ages. By 2040, about 1 in 5 Americans will be age 65 or older, up from approximately 1 in 8 in 2000. Advanced age is the most important risk factor for cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI).
Some cities are better positioned than others to weather the oncologist shortage. According to Doximity, a professional medical network, these cities have the lowest risk of oncologist shortages, which means that those who need it will likely be able to access cancer care.
- Orlando, FL. Home to approximately 287,000 people, including many immigrants, Orlando is expected to maintain sufficient supply of oncologists to meet demand.
- Columbus, OH. The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – James Cancer Center and Solove Research Institute, 1 of only 40 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers in the United States, is in Columbus. So is the Columbus Cancer Clinic, the nation’s first free-standing cancer clinic and the only free cancer clinic remaining in Ohio.
- Nashville, TN. Though it’s primarily known as “Music City,” Nashville is an important healthcare hub. Healthcare, in fact, is Nashville’s largest and fastest growing employer, and the Nashville metro area has the United States’ lowest percentage of oncologists aged 65 and older.
- Charlotte, NC. Oncologists in the Charlotte area have already made significant strides to improve access to cancer care. After realizing that the city’s Hispanic community was underserved, physicians at Levine Cancer Institute created and delivered Spanish-language education programs on breast cancer at local community sites.
- Memphis, TN. In 2014, Memphis had the highest national rate of breast cancer disparities. Local oncologists and other medical professionals worked together to make it easier for Black women to get mammograms and receive treatment, and as a result, cancer mortality rates have declined.
These major metropolitans have a larger-the-average percentage of oncologists on the verge of retirement:
- Miami. Miami’s population increased nearly 20% over the last 10 years. The high cost of living, though, is keeping younger oncologists away.
- New York. NYC is home to some of the top cancer centers in the country, including Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Center. But demand for cancer care outstrips supply.
- Los Angeles. LA has a high percentage of oncologists who are 65 years old and older, which means the metro area will likely experience a shrinking supply of cancer doctors over the coming years.
High demand plus a shortage of young oncologists means there’s plenty of opportunity for young physicians to establish a practice in Miami, NYC, or LA. Local oncology professionals are also working to develop strategies to meet residents’ needs for cancer care and support cancer physicians who work in the area.
