Ann Surg Oncol. 2026 May 11. doi: 10.1245/s10434-026-19761-4. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Gender equity in surgery remains an ongoing focus of investigation and while there are more women entering the surgical oncology workforce, disparities persist. Professional surgical organizations, such as the Society of Surgical Oncology (SSO), are powerful engines for scientific advancement and career growth. The objective of this study was to evaluate contemporary trends in gender representation related to active participation and leadership within the SSO.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were obtained from the SSO database and website that included all membership, committee membership, and leadership roles as well as annual meeting program information from 2010 to 2025. Gender of individuals was determined by self-report or from institutional websites. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics including logistic regression and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).
RESULTS: From 2010 to 2024, there was a significant increase in female committee membership, with women comprising 49.3% of members in 2024, up from 25.5% in 2010 (p < 0.001). Female representation was noted in relation to committee leadership with an increase from 2010, where women comprised 20.3% of leadership roles, to an increase of 48.1% in 2024 (p < 0.01). From 2013 to 2025, there was an overall increase in female SSO meeting presenters from 38.8% in 2013 to 44.4% in 2025 (p = 0.018).
CONCLUSIONS: Representation of women within the SSO membership, committee leadership, and presenters at the annual meeting has increased from 2010 to 2025. This finding reflects both broader societal advances towards inclusivity as well as the SSO’s ongoing efforts in working toward promoting career development for all members.
PMID:42108363 | DOI:10.1245/s10434-026-19761-4
