Urologic oncology has traditionally been a homogeneous group comprised mainly of White males. Past criticisms of the lack of diversity in urologic oncology, whether in gender, race, sexual orientation, or background, are justified. However, like many groups in urology, workforce and trainee diversity is evolving. Recognizing the benefits that increased diversity and equity bring to organizations and for the patients we serve, the Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO) has made it a priority to diversify our membership, workforce, and increase the inclusivity of our organization. The SUO is striving to go beyond identifying the lack of diversity and inclusion within its ranks to taking substantive actions to promote equity for our members. Prominent voices within our organization have challenged the SUO to actively recruit broadly, educate all, and promote many.

Recently, the SUO completed a comprehensive strategic plan to help identify the future direction of the organization. The steering committee for this process involved both established and emerging leaders in urologic oncology representing a variety of backgrounds. Throughout this process and for each of the domains identified as priorities, efforts to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) were foundational to the strategies that we developed. Specific initiatives for increasing diversity will focus on leadership opportunities with transparent selection criteria, designated awards, and grant funding mechanisms—all of which emphasize inclusivity and equity.

Recent SUO initiatives designed explicitly to promote DEI include the following: (1) The establishment of the Society of Women in Urologic Oncology which was designed to support women in or pursuing a career in urologic oncology, creating opportunities for mentorship and sponsorship, as well as collaboration and community. The growth of women in urologic oncology is illustrated by the increase in female membership from 43 to 102 over the last 8 years. This organization has its own set of bylaws and is supported both financially and administratively by the SUO; (2) a specific AUA/SUO Research Scholars Award targeted to an underrepresented minority (URM) in urologic oncology was established in 2019. This award is designed to support the early career of a URM urologic oncologist wishing to pursue research in urologic oncology; and (3) increasingly diverse representation on the SUO Board and within the leadership of the SUO Clinical Trials Consortium.

In addition, our scientific program has focused on improving patient care and raising the awareness of our members by including topics such as structural racism, inadequate representation of gender or minorities in trials, and the role that these societal issues play in contributing to disparities in cancer outcomes. The goals are to address the cultural and societal biases in diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of URM. These presentations have served to raise awareness of the significant challenges in urologic oncology in providing equitable care to all patients with genitourinary malignancies. Furthermore, several leaders within the SUO have initiated and are promoting novel approaches to engaging with underrepresented and marginalized communities.

Perhaps there is no more critical area than urologic oncology for us to challenge the current paradigms of diagnosis and treatment of genitourinary malignancies, which are currently inadequate for so many. Fortunately, the SUO and its members have recognized this need and have dedicated resources to the promotion and recognition of DEI within our own Society so that we can better serve our patients. By no means is this work completed, and as such, the SUO and its members will continue to prioritize advancement of diversity, equity, including and belonging as an integral piece of the SUO mission to revolutionize cancer care for all.