Society of Gynecologic Oncologists

The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) is a non-profit international organization made up of obstetricians and gynecologists specializing in gynecologic oncology. The SGO was founded in 1969 to improve the care of women with gynecologic cancer, to raise standards of practice in gynecologic oncology, and to encourage ongoing research. Gynecologic oncology is a field of medical specialization that deals with the study and treatment of malignancies arising in the female reproductive tract. The ovary, the neck of the uterus (cervix), the vulva, the vagina, and the membrane lining the inside of the uterus (endometrium) are the sites of origin of the most common and serious gynecologic malignancies. Although such malignancies are often discussed as a group, they have significant differences in prevention, detection, cause (etiology), and treatment. Gynecologic oncologists are cancer specialists and may practice in a variety of settings including teaching hospitals, cancer centers, and regional and local hospitals. The Society of Gynecologic Oncologists established the Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF) as a not-for-profit charitable organization to support philanthropic programs that benefit women who have or are at risk for developing a gynecologic cancer. The Foundation also maintains the “Women’s Cancer Network,” an interactive web site dedicated to informing women around the world about gynecologic cancer. The SGO also offers a variety of professional publications including “Gynecologic Oncology,” an international journal dedicated to publishing clinical and investigative articles concerning tumors of the female reproductive tract. The Society’s web site provides information on its mission and objectives; press releases; the SGO database and directory; updates concerning legislative issues; and information concerning the Society’s professional publications, its fellows-in-training programs, and the SGO’s additional services, programs, and activities.