Bridging gaps in surgical oncology research and training: the DISSECT COST action (CA24158)

Cancer surgery remains a cornerstone of treatment for solid malignancies worldwide, yet substantial disparities persist in the training of surgical oncologists across regions and countries. Differences in training duration, accreditation, clinical exposure, multidisciplinary involvement, mentorship, and research activity contribute to variation in surgical outcomes and widen existing gaps in cancer morbidity and mortality. DISSECT (Disparities in Surgical Specialization and Education in Cancer Training) is a European Collaboration in Science and Technology (COST Action) aimed at systematically identifying and addressing these gaps in surgical oncology training through a structured, collaborative, and evidence-based approach. By bringing together institutions from high- and lower-resource settings, DISSECT promotes bidirectional knowledge exchange, strengthens multidisciplinary training, enhances research capacity, and supports sustainable mentorship. It also encourages responsible use of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and integrates patient partnership. Here, we introduce the rationale, scope, and anticipated impact of DISSECT as it moves from approval to implementation.