Working Group 1
Identification and Evaluation of Disparities
Evaluate key disparities in cancer surgery training across high- and low-resource settings and develop an evidence-based roadmap to close training gaps.
COST Action CA24158
DISSECT
Disparities in Surgical Specialisation and Education in Cancer Training
Our mission is to identify the gaps and variations in cancer surgery training in Europe and beyond, develop a roadmap to address these disparities and contribute to better patient outcomes.
Our vision is to empower and mentor young surgeons to be leaders in cancer care and research, and advocates for positive change.
Our purpose
Shaping a new generation of cancer surgeons to deliver equitable, high-quality care in Europe and beyond.
Surgery remains a primary treatment for people diagnosed with cancer. The quality of surgical care depends on rigorous clinical training as well as character development.
With the growing global cancer burden, cancer surgeons need not only technical expertise but also a deep understanding of multidisciplinary cancer care, research literacy, effective communication and leadership.
However, disparities in training exist, affecting surgeons’ access to complex cases, research capacity, multidisciplinary knowledge exchange, mentorship and innovation. These are linked to economic disparities, leading to differences in patient outcomes. DISSECT wants to help close these gaps.
Working Group 2
Building research capacity
Strengthen research capacity through methodological, analytical and leadership skills, patient-centred research, international collaboration and mentorship.
Working Group 3
Multidisciplinary teams (MDT) knowledge exchange
Improve MDT learning by analysing differences in structure and access and supporting virtual MDTs, fellowships and cross-country exchange.
Working Group 4
Surgical Mentorship
Deliver a sustainable mentorship framework for technical skills, clinical decisions, leadership, communication and research careers.
Working Group 5
Innovation
Advance cancer surgery training with artificial intelligence, digital technologies, practical workshops and remote telementoring.
Surveys
Help map disparities in cancer surgery training
Recent survey posts from the DISSECT updates site.
Survey
Surgical Mentorship Needs-Assessment Survey
Surgical Mentorship Needs-Assessment Survey This survey aims to assess current access to mentorship in surgery, identify unmet needs, map existing mentorship opportunities, and support the development of a future European and worldwide ment
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TRAIN-DISSECT: Mapping Surgical Oncology Training Programmes Across Different Countries
TRAIN-DISSECT: Mapping Surgical Oncology Training Programmes Across Different Countries A global survey mapping surgical oncology training programmes across different countries, identifying disparities, and informing the development of inte
Read updateSurvey
Secondary Lymphoedema in Cancer Patients – Disparities in Diagnosis and Treatment – an International Survey
Secondary Lymphoedema in Cancer Patients – Disparities in Diagnosis and Treatment – an International Survey This survey aims to map current practices, identify disparities, and understand barriers in the diagnosis and treatment of secondary
Read updateLatest updates
News from DISSECT
Recent posts from News, Meetings and Grants across the network.
Survey
Surgical Mentorship Needs-Assessment Survey
Surgical Mentorship Needs-Assessment Survey This survey aims to assess current access to mentorship in surgery, identify unmet needs, map existing mentorship opportunities, and support the development of a future European and worldwide ment
Read updateAnnouncements
Join DISSECT Virtual Journal Club!
Empowering the Next Generation of Surgeons-Scientists In the rapidly evolving landscape of oncology, technical surgical expertise is no longer enough. To provide the highest standard of care, modern surgical oncologists must be equipped wit
Read updateSurvey
TRAIN-DISSECT: Mapping Surgical Oncology Training Programmes Across Different Countries
TRAIN-DISSECT: Mapping Surgical Oncology Training Programmes Across Different Countries A global survey mapping surgical oncology training programmes across different countries, identifying disparities, and informing the development of inte
Read update