Dr Sheila Cartwright: A Trailblazer in Oncology
Written By Dui-Lan Sun
Dr Sheila Cartwright, a retired consultant oncologist and graduate of UCL Medical School's class of 1963, dedicated her life to treating over 20,000 adults and 1,500 children during her illustrious career.
Early Aspirations and Education
Born and raised in Leeds, Dr Cartwright decided to pursue medicine at the age of 15 following a school trip to London. She was accepted by both Barts and UCL. A postcard from a family friend praising UCL as the most prestigious choice convinced her to decline Barts—a decision she regards as pivotal in shaping her future.
Breaking Barriers as a Woman in Medicine
Dr Cartwright entered the field of medicine during a time when female doctors were a rarity. Reflecting on those challenges, she described her journey as “very difficult.” Nonetheless, she rose quickly through the ranks at Cookridge Hospital, Leeds. While five months pregnant, she was appointed Senior Registrar, and at the age of 29 (almost 30), she became a Consultant Radiotherapist—a role later renamed Clinical Oncologist with the advent of chemotherapy.
She recalls preparing for her final exams for the Fellowship of the Royal College of Radiologists by listening to the musical ‘Hair’!
Her appointment as a consultant was not without controversy. She competed for the position against a male physician trained at the Royal Free. Upon her success, the atmosphere at Cookridge Hospital turned hostile, with over 20 physicians rallying in opposition. From 1971 onwards, Dr Cartwright was the only female oncologist among 15 male counterparts.
Pioneering Contributions to Oncology
In 1977, Dr Cartwright co-founded the United Kingdom Children’s Cancer Study Group (UKCCSG), the precursor to today’s Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Group (CCLG). She was a strong advocate for improving the preparation and storage of chemotherapy drugs, campaigning for proper labelling and the use of laminar flow cabinets.
When bone marrow transplantation for acute lymphoblastic leukaemia through total body irradiation became feasible, Dr Cartwright and ward sister Sheila Hagan spearheaded a fundraising effort to establish a dedicated unit for children undergoing radiotherapy. Thanks to the generosity of Yorkshire residents, they succeeded in building the unit. Their efforts earned them the title of ‘Leeds Citizens of the Year’, and they had the honour of hosting Princess Diana on a tour of the facility.
Recognition and Legacy
In 1997, Dr Cartwright was named ‘Woman of Achievement’ and ‘Woman of the Year’ by the Yorkshire Post. Unable to attend the ceremony as she was lecturing in New York on the importance of treating the whole patient rather than just the cancer, her secretary accepted the awards on her behalf.
Now retired and living in Essex, Dr Cartwright enjoys walks with her son and his family, daily video calls with her eldest son in Canada, and maintaining connections with current UCL Medical School students. She remains in contact with over 200 radiation oncologists worldwide, continuing to promote international protocols for solid tumour treatments.
Lives touched along the way
Dr. Cartwright has made a transformative impact on countless lives. Below are the remarkable stories of three of her former pediatric patients:
Diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma of the left tibia, R underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Today, he is not only the proud father of two children but also an avid tennis player—a testament to the life and limb Dr. Cartwright helped save.
M faced a daunting battle with double renal carcinoma. A skilled pediatric surgeon removed his right kidney and parts of his left kidney, while Dr. Cartwright prescribed radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Now, M is the proud father of a talented daughter with a beautiful voice, who performs in her own show.
Suffering from a severe sarcoma in his pelvis, N required both radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Thanks to the care he received, N has gone on to achieve great success and now works in the London Cabinet Office.
Dr Cartwright’s trailblazing career and unwavering advocacy and dedication to improving oncology services has left a lasting legacy in the field of medicine.
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