Definition of Stewart, Alice

Stewart, Alice: (1906-2002) English physician and epidemiologist who discovered the connection between fetal X-rays and childhood cancer. Dr. Stewart found that a single diagnostic X-ray during pregnancy was enough to nearly double the risk of cancer for the baby. Although some have disputed her numbers, most major medical groups now recommend that pregnant women should not be X-rayed, unless there is an overwhelming medical reason to do so. See also: Prenatal radiation exposure.