Objective:To investigatethe empathy ability among surgical oncology doctors in Three-A hospitals in Shenyang,and analyze the effects of demographic factors on their empathy ability.Methods:Cluster random sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey in order to investigate the empathy ability of surgical oncology doctors in six Three-A hospitals in Shenyang.Results:The average empathy score of surgical oncology doctors was(42.12 ± 11.19),and each item scored(1.91 ±0.51).The empathy ability of surgical oncology doctors was significantly different in gender,educational background,professional title,and employment type (P ＜0.05),while no difference was observed in age,marital status,working experience,department and whether one child or not (P ＞0.05).Conclusions:The empathy ability of surgical oncology doctors was at a relative low level,which was influenced by gender,educational background,professional title and employment type.Hospital managers should attach great importance to enhance the doctors' empathy ability.In order to improve the doctors' humanistic competency,targeted training for them is necessary.Through the cultivation of empathy ability,the surgical oncology doctors can provide warmer treatment for the patients,and eventually improve patients' quality of life.