Has COVID-19 had a greater impact on female than male oncologists? Results of the ESMO Women for Oncology (W4O) Survey

•Female oncologists were significantly more affected than men by COVID-19 in multiple aspects of their working and home life.•Reduced time available to female oncologists for research activities may have long-lasting career consequences.•The gender gap for promotion to leadership positions may widen further as a result of the pandemic.•Greater awareness is needed about gender inequalities in career development in oncology, especially after the pandemic.•Gender transformative policies and strategies are needed due to the impact of COVID-19 and other causes of inequalities.