Isabelle Soerjomataram MD, PhD

Deputy Head, Branch of Cancer Surveillance

International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)

Isabelle Soerjomataram is Deputy Head of the Cancer Surveillance Branch at IARC and a medical epidemiologist with a particular interest in the causes and prevention of cancer. Her work focuses on assessing international variations in cancer burden and survival, primarily using population-based datasets, and exploring how policy can reduce the rising burden of cancer and address disparities between population subgroups.

In addition to her research, she (co)coordinates several large, externally funded projects. She leads national, regional, and global estimations of the fraction of cancers attributable to various risk factors. She also directs cancer survival studies in both high-income and low- and middle-income countries, evaluating the effectiveness of local health systems and the impact of major risk factors such as tobacco use, obesity, and alcohol consumption.

Dr. Soerjomataram co-chairs the Lancet Commission on Women and Cancer, and plays a leading role in the Lancet Oncology Commissions on Cancers in the Commonwealth and on Ovarian and Lung Cancers. She also coordinates the IARC Initiative on Resilience in Cancer Control, which examines the impact of crises on cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes.

Updated: July 2025