A “BLURRING” of professional boundaries can make it difficult for young cancer doctors to stay objective when treating patients, a study has found.

Researchers at Brighton and Sussex Medical School carried out an online survey of hundreds of oncologists under the age of 40.

Results showed 60% felt if doctors were too empathetic then they could not make objective decisions, while 59% also thought it difficult to be truthful about prognosis if they particularly liked a patient.

Despite this, around a quarter of respondents had treated family members, and a third had treated friends.

Most allowed patients to use their first name, and 60% allowed patients to hug or kiss them in greeting or saying goodbye.

Lesley Fallowfield, professor of psycho-oncology at the medical school, said: “Cancer patients need their doctors to be warm, compassionate and caring but the relationship should not be confused with a social one.

“Burnout in young oncologists is high, at more than 30%, and often leads to them leaving the profession.

“Any blurring of professional boundaries can also play a part in the stress faced by oncologists in dealing with patients with a life-threatening illness.

“It is so important patients have strong and trusting relationships with their doctors during what will most likely be a very emotional and difficult period.

“But to ensure that cancer patients receive the best and most objective treatment, oncologists must look after their own emotional well-being also and recognise that there is a professional line over which one shouldn’t cross.”

Medical school incoming dean Malcolm Reed said the results showed a worrying trend.

He said: “The General Medical Council has produced guidance in which these newer risks to professional boundaries are made clear.

“They need to be promoted to students and young doctors.”