100 Influential Women in Oncology: Key Opinion Leaders to Follow on Social Media in 2024: Part 9

Continuing our celebration of 100 influential women in oncology, we spotlight ten more remarkable leaders transforming the field of cancer care, research, and advocacy. Each woman exemplifies dedication to innovation and empowerment, inspiring change across the cancer landscape.

Here are this week’s 100 influential women in oncology:

Katie Coleman, a stage IV cancer survivor, author, and advocate, was diagnosed at 29 with metastatic oncocytoma, an ultra-rare kidney cancer. Katie’s journey—chronicled in her book Too Young for Cancer—highlights her determination to navigate an often biased medical system and ultimately find her life’s purpose in patient advocacy. Today, she collaborates with specialists and donates proceeds from her advocacy work to cancer research, championing the cause for rare cancer patients worldwide.
Follow Katie Coleman on X and LinkedIn.

Julie Torode serves as a Board Member of the Institute of Cancer Policy and is a key figure in global cancer prevention, particularly focusing on women’s health. With extensive experience at the Union for International Cancer Control, Dr. Torode was pivotal in advancing the WHO’s Global Strategy to eliminate cervical cancer. She now co-chairs the WHO Global Guideline Group for Cervical Cancer, working internationally to improve healthcare access.
Follow Dr. Julie Torode on X and LinkedIn.

Castalia Fernández, a radiation oncologist at GenesisCare, specializes in treating central nervous system tumors, lung cancer, and oligometastatic patients. Driven by a commitment to compassionate care, she is deeply involved in efforts to humanize radiotherapy and participates actively in groups such as SEOR. Her dedication to a patient-centered approach is reshaping radiotherapy experiences for her patients.
Follow Dr. Castalia Fernández on X and LinkedIn.

Ilana Yurkiewicz is a primary care physician and oncologist whose expertise extends to medical journalism and survivorship care. As the author of Fragmented: A Doctor’s Quest to Piece Together American Health Care, she addresses systemic healthcare issues and advocates for a holistic approach in oncology. Dr. Yurkiewicz’s work appears in top publications, bridging academic knowledge with real-world patient advocacy.
Follow Dr. Ilana Yurkiewicz on X and LinkedIn.

Sabita Jiwnani, Professor of Thoracic Surgery at Tata Memorial Hospital, is recognized for her expertise in minimally invasive and robotic surgery. As co-editor of the Atlas of Operative Surgical Oncology, she leads projects focused on enhancing surgical outcomes and quality of life. Dr. Jiwnani’s contributions to thoracic oncology are highly regarded across both national and international surgical communities.
Follow Dr. Sabita Jiwnani on X and LinkedIn.

Marina Konopleva is the Director of the Leukemia Program and Professor of Oncology at Montefiore Einstein, a leading expert in hematologic malignancies. Her groundbreaking research led to FDA approval of venetoclax, a low-toxicity therapy for elderly AML patients. Dr. Konopleva’s innovative approaches, including work on apoptosis pathways, have transformed leukemia treatment and benefited countless patients.
Follow Dr. Marina Konopleva on X.

Susannah Stanway is a honorary consultant medical oncologist at the Royal Marsden Hospital dedicated to global cancer control in low-resource settings. She co-founded the RMH/ICR Cancer Control in LMICs Collaborative Group and trains healthcare providers in East Africa. Dr. Stanway is also involved in climate-conscious cancer initiatives, co-chairing Oncologists Unite for Climate Health (OUCH), and is the co-convener of the London Global Cancer Week.
Follow Dr. Susannah Stanway on LinkedIn.

Hetty Carraway is the Director of Leukemia Program and a Professor at Cleveland Clinic, and chairs ASH’s Committee on Training. Renowned for her expertise in hematologic malignancies, she actively conducts clinical trials to advance leukemia treatments. Dr. Carraway’s work as a physician, researcher, and educator has earned her respect across the hematology and oncology fields.
Follow Dr. Hetty Carraway on X and LinkedIn.

Jennifer Douglas, author of A Breast Cancer Journey: Living it One Step at a Time, was diagnosed with stage zero breast cancer at 41. Her book details her journey through treatment, highlighting the emotional and physical challenges of “early” cancer. Jennifer’s story and advocacy remind us of the complexity of all cancer journeys, regardless of stage, and inspire others facing similar battles.
Follow Jennifer Douglas on X and LinkedIn.

Irena Joveva, a Slovenian Member of the European Parliament, is a dedicated advocate for cancer patients’ rights and quality of life post-treatment. Active in the Committee on Public Health, she has championed initiatives for cancer survivors’ rights, including the “right to be forgotten.” Joveva’s work with the Special Committee on Beating Cancer reflects her commitment to legislative solutions that address both medical and societal needs for cancer patients and survivors.
Follow Irena Joveva on X and Facebook.

Stay tuned as we continue our series on the women driving innovation and compassion in oncology.

Missed the previous highlights? Check out last year’s list, Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5, Part 6, Part 7 and Part 8 in this year’s series for more inspiration.