Statement on the passing of Dr. Worta McCaskill-Stevens

It is with deep sadness that we mourn the loss of our colleague and friend, Dr. Worta McCaskill-Stevens, who passed away peacefully last evening. During this time of great sorrow, we pause to honor Dr. McCaskill-Stevens for an extraordinary life lived and innumerable contributions to breast cancer research, particularly in the areas of screening and community cancer research. She so steadfastly championed diversity in cancer research and better care for underserved communities throughout her life and career. She was an extraordinary physician-scientist who, through leadership or by example, furthered the advancement of women and minority investigators and leaders in cancer research. Indeed, it was her vision that led to the establishment of the National Cancer Institute’s Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP). She was a great partner and brought such joy and spirit to our collaborations that we always valued and looked forward to interactions with her.

In her own words, Dr. McCaskill-Stevens “walked the talk” in her enrollment in two clinical trials, the TMIST breast cancer screening study and a leiomyosarcoma treatment trial. May we hold her memory close to our hearts and take comfort in the knowledge that Dr. McCaskill-Steven’s legacy of passion and commitment to changing the trajectory of community cancer research will be a blessing and inspiration for others to follow in her footsteps. Our deepest sympathies are with her family.

Peter J. O’Dwyer, MD, Group Co-Chair
Mitchell D. Schnall, MD, PhD, Group Co-Chair
Lynne I. Wagner, PhD, Deputy Chair, Cancer Control and Outcomes
Donna M. Marinucci, BSMT, Executive Director
Jean MacDonald, MPH, Deputy Executive Director

On behalf of the
ECOG-ACRIN Cancer Research Group