Young cancer doctors are struggling to cope with the high demands of their jobs, a major study has found.

Across Europe, more than 70 per cent of oncologists under 40 are showing symptoms of burnout that may affect their ability to care for patients, it is claimed.

The findings, from a survey of 595 doctors in 41 European countries, were presented at the annual congress of the European Society for Medical Oncology in Madrid, Spain.

Lead author Dr Susana Banerjee, a consultant medical oncologist at the Royal Marsden NHS Trust in London, said: "Oncology is an exceptionally rewarding career but it can be demanding and stressful at times.

"Oncologists make complex decisions about cancer management, supervise the use of toxic therapies, work long hours and continually face patients suffering and dying.

"Furthermore, young oncologists are now facing increased administration, complaints/medico-legal issues, increasing expectations and workload with reduced resources.

"Taken together, these factors make oncologists at risk of developing burnout, a syndrome characterised by emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation (treating people as if they are objects) and loss of meaning or purpose in work."

Burnout can have serious consequences including anxiety, depression, alcohol or substance abuse and suicide, she said.

The study showed that rates of burnout varied significantly across Europe. They were highest in central Europe, where 84 per cent of participants met the symptom criteria. The lowest rates were found in the northern European countries, including the UK, where just more than half (52 per cent) of young oncologists were affected.

Burnout was more likely in hospitals with small workforces, higher numbers of patients and no access to support services.

Dr Banerjee added: "Burnout should not be stigmatised as a weakness. We need to support colleagues by focusing on recovery and prevention."