Determining oncology nurses' awareness of cardio-oncology in Türkiye: A descriptive study


Ugurlu Y. K., Turen S., Karacam E., Lee G.

ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY NURSING, vol.13, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, SSCI, Scopus) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 13
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.apjon.2026.100936
  • Journal Name: ASIA-PACIFIC JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY NURSING
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, CINAHL, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore oncology nurses' awareness of cardio-oncology and cancer-related cardiotoxicity. Methods: This descriptive study was conducted with 152 oncology nurses between April 2025 and October 2025. Data were collected using the Cardio-Oncology Awareness Questionnaire for Nurses which was developed by the authors for this study. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation) were used to analyze the data. Results: Only 15% (n = 23) of the participants had received education on cardio-oncology and cancer-related cardiotoxicity and the majority reported acquiring their knowledge primarily from colleagues (63%). Participants expressed limited confidence in recognizing cancer-related cardiotoxicity (n = 66, 43%), while the majority (n = 147, 97%) indicated a need for further education on cancer therapy-related cardiotoxicity. The educational topics identified were cardiovascular risk factors, basic electrocardiogram (ECG) interpretation and arrhythmias, cardioprotective agents, and cardiovascular risk assessment during cancer survivorship." Conclusions: The findings revealed a lack of knowledge and practice regarding cardio-oncology and cardiotoxicity among oncology nurses, with most having not received formal education. With cardio-oncology emerging as an important sub-speciality, there clearly is a need for a structured cardio-oncology education in T & uuml;rkiye.