Women Global Leaders: Conversations on Cancer Research, Practice and Care

The series, which is organised and convened by our colleague Abir Hamdar, offers a set of conversations that recognise and celebrate the work of global women in oncology who are advancing innovative science and driving change and impact in the field.

The sessions will not be preceded by a paper or formal presentation. Instead, they will offer an opportunity to reflect on each guest’s experiences, contributions and advocacy through an informal conversation.

The events are open to everyone, including staff, students, healthcare professionals, members of health charities, and the wider community, nationally and internationally. We also warmly welcome anyone affected by cancer, directly or indirectly, and anyone wishing to learn more about the latest cancer research and its impact on care and outcomes. 

Please feel free to extend the invitation to friends, colleagues or anyone whom you think might be interested.

To help ensure a safe space for engaging with our guests and to reflect on their leadership and the challenges they have encountered in the field, the sessions will not be recorded.

Attendance to all sessions is free, but registration is required. Please scan the QR code on the poster or follow the link to register. The form will give you the option of registering to one or all three sessions. 

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/0Ze0Pz5Fju

Guest Speakers:

Dorraya El-Ashry

Chief Scientific Officer | Cancer Biologist

United States

 Our first guest speaker is Dr Dorraya El-Ashry who joins us on the occasion of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Dr El-Ashry is an international leader in breast cancer research, whose outstanding work has made a significant contribution to advancing understandings of the disease. She is also Chief Scientific Officer at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) in the United States, the world’s largest private funder of breast cancer research. She oversees the foundation’s global research portfolio, guiding funding strategy and advancing the mission to end breast cancer through innovative science. Prior to joining BCRF, Dr. El-Ashry held faculty appointments at the University of Minnesota, University of Miami, University of Michigan, and Georgetown University’s Lombardi Cancer Center. She earned her PhD in Experimental Pathology from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center and completed postdoctoral training at Georgetown. She has authored more than 130 peer-reviewed publications and is recognized internationally for her leadership in breast cancer research. Dr El-Ahsry’s online session is on Friday 30 October 2026, 3:00-4:15 pm UK time.

Beatrice Wiafe-Addai

Medical Officer | Consultant Surgeon

Ghana

Dr. Beatrice Wiafe-Addai is a pioneering Ghanaian Medical Doctor, Consultant Breast Surgeon, educator, and healthcare leader with over 35 years of medical experience. As Founder and CEO of Peace and Love Hospitals and Founder and President of Breast Care International, she has played a leading role in advancing breast cancer awareness, prevention, treatment, and advocacy in Ghana and beyond. She serves on several national and international boards, including the Ghana Non-Communicable Diseases Alliance and Direct Relief, USA. She is also a former Executive Member of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and former Chairperson of the Ghana Cancer Board.

Her outstanding contributions to healthcare and cancer advocacy have earned her numerous local and international awards, including the Susan Bucklers’ Excellence Award for Women in Science and Technology and the Women That Soar Award. She joins us on 12 February 2027, 3:00-4:15 pm, UK time.

Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy

Public Health Physician  |  Clinical Epidemiologist

Malaysia

Professor Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy is a public health physician and cancer systems scientist at Universiti Malaya, Malaysia, whose career has been dedicated to advancing cancer care systems and improving life after cancer. As a regional scientific lead of the ASEAN Costs in Oncology (ACTION) study, she has studied the financial, quality-of-life and survival consequences of cancer across eight Southeast Asian countries. She serves on the WHO Science Council and three Lancet Commissions and is President of the Asian Pacific Organization for Cancer Prevention. She was named one of Tatler Asia’s Most Influential in 2024. Professor Bhoo-Pathy joins us on Thursday 12 May 12-1:15 pm UK time.