Gynaecological Oncology is a small subspecialty focused on caring for women with gynaecological malignancies. The subspecialty developed in the 1970’s and 1980’s and was recognised by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists in 1986.  Early on it was realised that gynaecological cancers have a relatively low incidence and women undergoing treatment have quite specialised needs.  This led to the model of care where units are centralised in tertiary medical centres that can provide the multidisciplinary support required to care for women undergoing radical surgery and other radical treatments. These units are supported by specialised practitioners including anatomical pathologists, radiologists, oncologists, nurse co-ordinators, anaesthetists and trial co-ordinators etc.

With the emergence of the subspecialty The Australian Society of Gynaecological Oncologists (ASGO) was established in 1986 by the then small group of gynaecological oncologists from around Australia. The aims of new society were to promote a high standard of care and to foster teaching and research.  The Society now has over 50 members from Australia and New Zealand as well as a number of associate and honorary members. Meeting are held annually with individual members from different regions taking turn to be the principle organisers.