Sherri L. Stewart, PhD

Sherri L. Stewart, PhD is a scientist and team lead in CDC's Division of Cancer Prevention and Control (DCPC). Prior to joining CDC, Dr. Stewart worked at Georgetown University’s Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center in the Cancer Genetics and Epidemiology Program, where she performed research on environmental carcinogens and cancer risk. After Georgetown, she researched the carcinogenesis and chemoprevention of ovarian cancer in the Medical Oncology Department of Fox Chase Cancer Center. At Fox Chase, Dr. Stewart developed a deep appreciation for ovarian cancer research, as the disease has a high burden in the United States, claiming tens of thousands of lives every year. Dr. Stewart’s current research focus is primarily in ovarian cancer morbidity and mortality prevention, with a particular focus on the use of evidence-based protocols to improve survival. She is also very interested in the relationship of hormones and reproductive factors to ovarian cancer risk. She received her PhD in molecular pathology from Hahnemann University School of Medicine (now a part of Drexel University) in Philadelphia, PA.

Dr. Stewart joined CDC in 2003, and initially worked in DCPC's Cancer Surveillance Branch, where she co-authored the annual United States Cancer Statistics (USCS) report and first-authored several high-profile cancer surveillance articles, including: Cancer mortality surveillance—United States, 1990–2000, Decline in breast cancer incidence—United States, 1999–2003, and Surveillance for cancers associated with tobacco use—United States, 1999–2004. In 2007, Dr. Stewart began working in DCPC's Comprehensive Cancer Control Branch, and has been team lead of the Scientific Support and Clinical Translation Team since 2010.

Dr. Stewart leads several research projects, including three that focus on reducing health inequities and promoting prolonged survival for ovarian cancer patients. Ovarian Cancer Treatment Patterns and Outcomes is a multi-year study using data collected by cancer registries in New York and Northern California to determine which patients received appropriate treatment for the disease. Results of this study have been presented at several scientific meetings, including the 2010 International Gynecologic Cancer Society Meeting in Prague, Czech Republic. One peer-reviewed article has been published from this study, with more to follow in the upcoming year.

As a follow-up to the Ovarian Cancer Treatment Patterns and Outcomes Study, in 2010 Dr. Stewart began the Treatment, Subspecialist Care, and Outcomes of Ovarian Cancer Study to determine the influence of specific ovarian cancer treatments and treating physician specialties on survival. A pilot study with the New York and South Carolina cancer registries is underway. Additionally, Dr. Stewart leads the Gynecologic Oncologist Availability for Ovarian Cancer Care Study, which examines the geographic relationship between subspecialist practice areas and ovarian cancer incidence and mortality. Preliminary results from this study were featured at the 2011 Society of Gynecologic Oncologists meeting.

Dr. Stewart is a longstanding member of both the American Association for Cancer Research and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications. The most recent articles she first-authored include—

• 2011 Gynecologic oncologists and ovarian cancer treatment: avenues for improved survival
• 2011 Physician knowledge and awareness of CA-125 as a screen for ovarian cancer in the asymptomatic, average-risk population
• 2010 Summary and impact of ovarian cancer research and programmatic activities at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• 2008 Surveillance for cancers associated with tobacco use—United States, 1999–2004
• 2007 Decline in breast cancer incidence—United States, 1999–2003
• 2007 The incidence of primary fallopian tube cancer in the United States
• 2004 Cancer mortality surveillance—United States, 1990–2000
• 2004 Characterization of a carcinogenesis rat model of ovarian preneoplasia and neoplasia
• 2004 Gonadotropin and steroid hormones stimulate proliferation of the rat ovarian surface epithelium