Cancer is a disease that affects everyone. If you do not develop cancer in your lifetime, you will know someone who suffers from this disease, according to the Cancer Research Institute. The good news is that cancer research has made remarkable strides within the past half century, although cancer continues to claim millions of lives each year.

Cancer researchers work on various types of cancer as well as on different methods for cures. While some researchers may be very public (famous and infamous), others remain behind the scenes. Some individuals, as you’ll see below, never step foot in a laboratory. Yet, the ten most influential people in cancer research — among dozens of others not listed — all have helped to make major strides in understanding cancer and refining cures to this disease. [click to continue…]