SNO 2020 diversity survey: defining demographics, racial biases, career success metrics and a path forward for the field of neuro-oncology. Issue 11 (24th July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chukwueke, Ugonma N; Vera, Elizabeth; Acquaye, Alvina; Hervey-Jumper, Shawn L; Odia, Yazmin; Klesse, Laura J; Dunbar, Erin; Sharma, Akanksha; Fonkem, Ekokobe; Thomas, Alissa A; Werbowetski-Ogilvie, Tamra E; Camelo-Piragua, Sandra; Gatson, Na Tosha N; de la Fuente, Macarena I; Armstrong, Terri S; Porter, Alyx B; Jackson, Sadhana
• Is Part Of: Neuro-oncology. Volume 23:Issue 11(2021)
• Page Start: 1845
• Page End: 1858
• Publication Date: 2021-07-24
• Subjects: biases -- diversity -- equity -- mentorship -- neuro-oncology; Brain Neoplasms -- Periodicals; Brain -- Tumors -- Periodicals; Brain -- Cancer -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Cancer -- Periodicals; 616.99481
• DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noab172
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1522-8517

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Neuro-oncology has grown tremendously since 2010, marked by increasing society membership, specialized clinical expertise, and new journals. Yet, modest improvement in racial/ethnic diversity amongst clinical trial participants, researchers, and clinicians led us to conduct a survey to identify opportunities to enhance diversity and inclusiveness amongst neuro-oncology professionals. Methods: In summer 2020, the Women and Diversity Committee of the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) distributed an anonymous online survey to members and affiliates including the European Association of Neuro-Oncology (EANO), Asian Society for Neuro-Oncology (ASNO), Society for Neuro-Oncology Latin America (SNOLA) and Society for Neuro-Oncology Sub-Saharan Africa (SNOSSA). The survey captured personal and professional characteristics, biases, effective mentorship qualities, career service metrics, and suggested field/society changes. Results were analyzed by geography, profession, age, racial/ethnic, and sexual identity. Standard descriptive statistics characterized the study population. Results: The 386 respondents were predominantly female (58%) with a median age range of 40–49 years (31%), White (65%), and SNO members (97%). Most worked in North America (77%) in a research profession (67%). A majority of White respondents reported never experiencing biases (64%), while the majority of non-White respondents reported unconscious biases/microaggressions, followed by a lack of/limited mentorship. Qualitative assessments showcased that personal/professional success metrics were linked to needed improvements in diversity and inclusion efforts within the neuro-oncology field. Conclusions: The prevalence of racial/ethnic biases and poor mentorship rates amongst underrepresented groups in neuro-oncology is high and potentially linked to the limited diverse representation amongst members and affiliates. These findings warrant a swift implementation of equity and inclusion practices within the neuro-oncology field.