Shifting demographics and advancements in cancer care are driving a growing demand for oncologists in the United States. Projections indicate that the U.S. could see a shortage of more than 2,200 hematologists and oncologists in 2025, reflecting the growing imbalance of supply and demand.
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The Oncology Workforce
There are 27,475 oncologists in the United States, of which approximately 43% specialize in hematology oncology.
Key Factors Driving the Oncologist Shortage
An Aging Population & Workforce
Demographic shifts over the next decade will continue to duel the demand for oncologists. The number of U.S. adults aged 65 and older is expected to double by 2030, with cancer diagnoses among this projected to increase by 67% between 2010 and 2030.
The aging population not only increases the demand for oncologists but also contributes to the workforce shortage as a substantial number of practicing oncologists are nearing retirement age.
Strategic workforce planning will be vital in meeting the growing demand for cancer care and mitigating the impact of a retiring workforce.
Trends in Cancer Incidence & Monitoring
Cancer incidence in the U.S. is increasing, driven by a growing number of cases among young adults and the higher risk of cancer associated with an aging population. 2024 marked the first year in history that the U.S. saw over 2 million cancer diagnoses.
In addition, advancements in cancer treatments have improved survival rates, resulting in a growing survivor population requiring ongoing care. Oncologists will continue to face increased demand for follow-up monitoring, long-term side effect management, and recurrence screening while also continuing to treat new diagnoses.
Geographical Disparities in Cancer Care Access
The oncology workforce is heavily concentrated in a few urban counties, leaving the majority of rural counties in the U.S. without an oncologist. The uneven distribution of oncologists impacts timely diagnosis, survival rates, quality of life, and treatment costs. Addressing the geographical disparity of oncologists is essential to improving outcomes and ensuring equitable access to cancer care for all.
Discover additional factors driving the oncologist shortage here.
Strategic Strategies for Overcoming the Oncologist Shortage
Expand the use of Advanced Practitioners
The integration of nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) in oncology care has grown significantly, particularly in post-treatment cancer care.
NPs and PAs manage follow-ups and outpatient care, allowing oncologists to focus on consultations and treatment planning. By leveraging NPs and PAs in a team-based approach, healthcare leaders can enhance care delivery and help balance oncologists' workloads more effectively.
Leverage Interim Healthcare Staffing
Utilizing qualified, long-term locum tenens can help effectively mitigate the impacts of the oncologist shortage.
Partner with a Dependable Interim Healthcare Staffing Agency
When you partner with Medicus for interim healthcare staffing, you unlock a team dedicated to ensuring operational stability and continuity of care. By providing fully vetted providers with long-term availability, Medicus works to minimize disruption and ensure consistent coverage. Plus, our partnership with Optimum Permanent Placement Services can help provide the support needed to build and sustain a robust talent pipeline.
For an in-depth look at the oncologist shortage and strategies to ensure a sustainable oncology workforce, download our complete market trend report, Examining the Oncologist Shortage, here.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Oncology Workforce
How Many Active Oncologists are there in the U.S.?
The United States has 27,475 oncologists, encompassing various specialties. Among them, 11,706 focus on hematology-oncology, 5,956 specialize in radiation oncology, and 4,614 are medical oncologists. Additionally, there are 2,273 pediatric hematology oncologists, 1,531 surgical oncologists, and 1,395 gynecological oncologists.
What is Causing the Oncologist Shortage?
Factors such as an aging population and workforce, trends in cancer incidence and monitoring, limited training opportunities, and persistent oncology burnout rates are all impacting the growing shortage of active oncologists.
What Areas Have the Highest Oncologist Shortages?
The majority of oncologists are concentrated in urban areas, leaving an estimated 32 million Americans living in counties without access to an oncologist. An estimated 11.3% of oncologists serve in rural areas, 67.5% work exclusively in urban settings, and 21.1% practice in both rural and urban locations.
Is the Number of Cancer Survivors Rising in the U.S.?
What is the Average Age of an Oncologist?
The median age of oncologists is 53 years old, and 1 in 5 oncologists are aged 64 or older.
