Since August 26, 2023, Women’s Equality Day in the United States has marked the beginning of a special OncoDaily tradition – the 100 Influential Women in Oncology. On this day, we launched an initiative to recognize 100 inspiring women making a difference in oncology around the world, highlighting 10 remarkable women each week.
And this year, we’re continuing the journey with our 2026 list of 100 Influential Women in Oncology, showcasing the remarkable efforts made by these inspiring women across the world to improve cancer care.
There are so many incredible women in oncology whose work deserves to be seen and celebrated, and we know that one list can never include everyone. This is an ongoing initiative, and we’d love to hear your suggestions for the 100 Influential Women in Oncology in 2026 list. We’ll be sharing the nomination link soon.
We are proud to introduce the next 10 women featured in our 2026 list of 100 Influential Women in Oncology:
Rachna Schroff
Rachna T. Shroff, MD, MS, FASCO, is a gastrointestinal oncologist. She is a Chief of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson and Associate Director of Clinical Investigations at the University of Arizona Comprehensive Cancer Center. She has led major clinical trials in cholangiocarcinoma, including the national SWOG S1815 study.
Shroff recently shared publicly that she is navigating a cancer diagnosis herself and, showing incredible devotion to her efforts for caring for people with cancer, she announced about launching a campaign to raise $1.35 million to permanently endow the Conquer Cancer–Rachna Shroff Young Investigator Award in Biliary Cancer, ensuring sustained support for future generations of researchers in the field—a cause inspired by the early-career award that helped launch her own research career.
Zita Oligui Nguema
Zita Oligui Nguema is the First Lady of Gabon and an increasingly prominent advocate for strengthening cancer care and women’s health in Central Africa. In 2026, she served as high patron of Gabon’s International Colloquium on the Future of Cancer Care and Research, which brought national and international experts together around plans to develop an advanced oncology center of excellence and strengthen prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, research, and specialist training in the country. Through her broader health advocacy, including the continental #BuildingResilience initiative, she has positioned improved access to healthcare as a central part of her public work and supported efforts to build more sustainable cancer-care capacity in Gabon.
Isabel Mestres
Isabel Mestres is the CEO of City Cancer Challenge (C/Can), where she leads efforts to strengthen cancer care systems and expand equitable access to quality cancer services in cities across low- and middle-income countries. With more than 18 years of experience in global health, public-private partnerships, and resource mobilization, she previously held senior leadership roles at C/Can and served as Director of Membership and Partnership Development at the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). In 2026, she is also leading “Thriving Cities, Healthy Women,” an initiative spanning 15 cities to improve timely diagnosis and treatment for women with cancer, while continuing C/Can’s work with ASCO to develop the next generation of women leaders in oncology.
Sara Tolaney
Sara M. Tolaney, MD, MPH, FASCO is the Chief of the Division of Breast Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where she also serves as Associate Director of the Susan F. Smith Center for Women’s Cancers. Her research has helped reshape breast cancer treatment through pivotal trials of antibody–drug conjugates and targeted therapies, including the DESTINY-Breast and ASCENT programs. In 2026, studies she helped lead supported the FDA approval of new first-line approach for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer and HER2-positive metastatic disease. Tolaney has been recognized with the AACR Outstanding Investigator Award for Breast Cancer Research, the FASCO distinction, and a 2026 Susan G. Komen Leadership Grant for her continued work advancing breast cancer therapeutics.
Barbara Jereczek-Fossa
Barbara Jereczek-Fossa, MD, PhD, is a radiation oncologist and President of the European Society for Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO) for 2026–2028. She is also Full Professor of Radiation Oncology at the University of Milan and Chair of the Department of Radiation Oncology at the European Institute of Oncology in Milan. Her research has advanced modern radiotherapy, particularly in prostate cancer, breast cancer, stereotactic radiotherapy, and treatment personalization, alongside extensive work in education and multidisciplinary cancer care. As an active member of European School of Oncology activities, she is helping shape the future of radiation oncology across Europe, with a focus on scientific innovation, collaboration, professional development, and global outreach.
Aditi Hazra
Aditi Hazra, PhD, MPH, is a cancer epidemiologist and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Associate Epidemiologist at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, with research spanning breast cancer, cancer prevention, genetics, and population health. She has developed a particular focus on inflammatory breast cancer, contributing to research on its molecular biology, treatment patterns, and disparities in care, including the international BRIDGES study involving clinicians across 36 low- and middle-income countries. Her broader work addresses inequities in cancer outcomes – from breast cancer among refugee populations to strengthening breast cancer research within the U.S. Veterans Health Administration – bringing an epidemiologic and global-health perspective to improving cancer prevention, detection, and care.
Allison O’Neill
Allison F. O’Neill, MD is Clinical Director of the Solid Tumor Center and Director of Medical Therapies at the Liver Tumor Center at Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, as well as Associate Professor of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School. Her work focuses on rare pediatric solid tumors, particularly hepatoblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and Ewing sarcoma, combining clinical care with translational research in imaging and targeted immunotherapy. She also chairs the Children’s Oncology Group Liver Tumor Committee and works internationally through the Pediatric Hepatic International Tumor Trial and SIOP, helping shape research and treatment strategies for childhood liver cancers worldwide.
Sara Gore
Sara Gore is an Emmy-winning television host, journalist, and breast cancer survivor known for her work on NBC’s New York Live and Open House. After publicly sharing her breast cancer diagnosis in 2026, she used her platform to speak openly about the realities of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. By July, following surgery and treatment, Gore announced that she was currently cancer-free while continuing breast reconstruction and recovery. By sharing her diagnosis and recovery openly with a large public audience, she has brought visibility to the emotional realities of cancer, familial risk, and the importance of early detection, adding a deeply personal voice to breast cancer awareness.
Suyapa Bejarano
Suyapa Bejarano, MD, PhD, is a clinical oncologist and radiation oncologist who has spent decades expanding access to cancer care, prevention, and research in Honduras. Formerly Head of Oncology at Liga Contra el Cáncer in San Pedro Sula, she founded PESCA, a volunteer initiative that brings cervical and other cancer screening directly to underserved rural communities; the program remained active in 2025. Her work with international collaborators has developed practical models for breast and cervical cancer screening, HPV testing, symptom management, and cancer research in resource-limited settings. She has also contributed to ASCO resource-stratified guidelines and, in 2026, co-authored a major prospective study examining breast cancer care and survival in Honduras.
Julie Kim
Julie Kim is President and CEO of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company, becoming in June 2026 the first woman and first Korean American to lead the 245-year-old company. With more than three decades of global healthcare leadership, she now oversees Takeda’s worldwide strategy and pipeline, including its oncology portfolio spanning hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. Under her leadership, Takeda is advancing late-stage oncology programs alongside established medicines including ADCETRIS, FRUZAQLA, and ICLUSIG. Kim also serves on the PhRMA Board, extending her influence across pharmaceutical innovation, patient access, and global health policy.
The second group of 10 women featured in OncoDaily’s 100 Influential Women in Oncology 2026 brought together another group of remarkable women making a difference across the field of oncology.We will continue next week with the next 10 women on the list, sharing more stories of women whose work is making a difference in oncology around the world and don’t forget to nominate a someone you would like to see in OncoDaily 100.
Don’t miss the first part of 100 Influential Women in Oncology in 2026: Key Opinion Leaders in Social Media and Beyond
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