100 Influential Women in Oncology: Key Opinion Leaders to Follow on Social Media in 2024

Starting from August 26th, Women’s Equality Day in the United States—a day celebrating the 1920 law that granted U.S. women the right to vote—OncoDaily is thrilled to present the 2024 edition of “100 Influential Women in Oncology.” Each week, we’ll spotlight 10 extraordinary women leaders in oncology from around the globe, sharing their achievements and social media profiles for you to follow and be inspired by.

In 2023, we shared the stories of 100 influential women in oncology who are making a difference in cancer research, patient care, and advocacy. This year, we’re excited to continue this tradition, recognizing those who have made significant impacts in the field. While it’s impossible to include everyone deserving of recognition, we hope this list serves as an inspiration to many.

Here are the first 10 influential women in oncology to follow in 2024:

Monica Bertagnolli is the Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), USA. Previously serving as the Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Dr. Bertagnolli has been a transformative leader in oncology, pioneering advancements in cancer research and clinical trials. She is recognized for her work in surgical oncology and her commitment to improving patient care, as highlighted in her 2019 ASCO Presidential Address, titled “Caring for Every Patient, Learning From Every Patient.” Her leadership continues to shape the future of cancer research and patient care.
Follow Dr. Bertagnolli on X and LinkedIn.

Kimryn Rathmell is the 17th Director of the National Cancer Institute (NCI), USA. She is renowned for her research in the biology and treatment of kidney cancer, focusing on genetic and molecular drivers of the disease. She previously led the Vanderbilt University Medical Center as physician-in-chief and chair of the Department of Medicine. Her leadership in clinical research and precision medicine has been recognized through numerous awards, including the American Association for Cancer Research Team Science Award. Dr. Rathmell’s research continues to drive advancements in cancer treatment approaches globally.
Follow Dr. Rathmell on X and LinkedIn.

Lillian Siu is a Professor of Medicine at the University of Toronto and Senior Medical Oncologist at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre. A leading expert in early-phase clinical trials and precision oncology, Dr. Siu was recently honored with the ASCO Karnofsky Award 2024 and has been elected as President-Elect of the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR). Her groundbreaking work in cancer immunotherapy and personalized medicine has made her a key opinion leader in oncology.
Follow Dr. Siu on X.

Her Royal Highness Princess Dina Mired of Jordan is a global advocate for cancer control and non-communicable diseases (NCDs). As the former President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), Patron of the International Society of Pediatric Oncology (SIOP), President of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) and a humanitarian leader, she has worked tirelessly to improve cancer care and patient rights worldwide. Her advocacy continues to influence global health policies, making her one of the most respected figures in cancer control.
Follow HRH Princess Dina Mired on X and LinkedIn.

Razelle Kurzrock is a world-renowned expert in precision oncology and rare cancers, currently serving as the Linda T. and John A. Mellowes Endowed Chair of Precision Oncology and Associate Director of Clinical Research at the Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center. She is also the founding director of the Michels Rare Cancers Research Laboratories at the MCW Cancer Center. With over 950 scientific publications, Dr. Kurzrock is recognized as one of the top voices in precision medicine.
Follow Dr. Kurzrock on X and LinkedIn.

Her Excellency Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu is a global cancer advocate and the driving force behind the “United Against Cancer” interview series on OncoDaily. She is also the founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, Chairperson of the First Ladies Against Cancer and a board member of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). Dr. Bagudu’s work focuses on addressing gaps in cancer care, especially in low-resource settings, making her a leading figure in global oncology advocacy.
Follow HE Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu on X and LinkedIn.

Laurie H. Glimcher is the President and CEO of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a leading cancer research and treatment center. A distinguished immunologist, Dr. Glimcher has made significant contributions to understanding immune responses in cancer. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including the American Association of Immunologists Lifetime Achievement Award. As a leader in cancer research and a mentor to many, Dr. Glimcher continues to drive innovation in oncology.
Follow Dr. Glimcher on X.

Susanna F. Greer, Ph.D., is the Chief Scientific Officer of the V Foundation. In this role, Dr. Greer is a visionary ambassador, guiding the Foundation’s research funding towards cutting-edge and disruptive cancer research. Previously, she served as a Senior Scientific Director at the American Cancer Society, where she led key research programs and initiatives. Dr. Greer is also a prominent figure in science communication and advocacy, with a strong commitment to advancing cancer research.
Follow Dr. Greer on X and LinkedIn.

Miriam Mutebi is a breast surgical oncologist and the current President of the African Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer. Recently awarded the ASCO Humanitarian Award, Dr. Mutebi is a leading advocate for women’s health and cancer care in Africa. She has dedicated her career to improving access to cancer treatment and empowering women in healthcare. Her leadership and advocacy have made significant impacts on cancer care across the continent.
Follow Dr. Mutebi on X and LinkedIn.

Julie Gralow is the Chief Medical Officer and Executive Vice President of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). With a focus on breast cancer research and global cancer advocacy, Dr. Gralow has been a key figure in shaping cancer treatment guidelines and improving patient care worldwide. Her dedication to oncology has earned her numerous accolades, and she continues to be a leading voice in cancer research and patient advocacy.
Follow Dr. Gralow on X and LinkedIn.

As we continue to highlight the outstanding contributions of these and other women leaders in oncology, we invite you to follow their journeys on social media and be part of their impact. Stay tuned for the next set of influential women in oncology next week!