The Center for Breast Cancer at Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center provides coordinated, state-of-the-art care for patients with benign and malignant diseases of the breast. For patients diagnosed with breast cancer, we offer dedicated care, innovative treatment options, and cutting edge research coupled with the recognized excellence of a National Cancer Institute designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. Most importantly, patients receive personal, friendly, and confidential care that is designed to meet the needs of the whole patient, not just the disease.
Breast cancer, the most common cancer in women, is the presence of a malignant tumor that forms from cells of the breast. The most common screening methods include mammograms, clinical breast exams and breast self-exams. The earlier cancer is detected, the more effective breast cancer treatment will be. Women with breast cancer are cared for by a multidisciplinary team of physician specialists, including radiologists, breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, pathologists, and plastic surgeons.
Breast Cancer treatments include surgical procedures such as lumpectomy, mastectomy and breast reconstruction, as well as biopsies, ultrasound and advanced oncoplastic procedures. Most breast cancer patients also need chemotherapy or hormonal therapy, in addition to surgery and radiation oncology. Patients in the Breast Cancer Program also have access to state-of-the-art clinical trials of novel therapeutics and radiation therapy.
From the tranquility of the building and the range of services offered by complementary therapy and the boutique, to the most sophisticated personalized therapies and equipment offered in every discipline, Yale offers the perfect blend of art and science to help you through your journey. At different points in time, you may need different resources – at Smilow, we are pleased to provide you with coordinated appointments with all of the appropriate specialties at the right time, accommodating your personal values and schedule.
Learn more about breast cancer, causes of breast cancer, and risk factors
The Breast Center at Smilow Cancer Hospital places great emphasis on taking care of our patients’ needs with the best medical care available and a network of supportive care services. Our intake specialists will ensure that you have everything you need for your first visit. Our clinical secretaries and schedulers will work with you to coordinate appointments to fit your schedule. Physicians at The Breast Center work closely with our patient care associates, nurses, advanced practice providers, and nurse coordinators to ensure that you feel well-informed and supported every step of the way.
Our team extends to a myriad of essential services including social work, pastoral support, dietary and nutritional aid, physical therapy, integrative medicine, pain management, and psychosocial support. Smilow offers a state-of-the-art Survivorship Clinic that employs a multidisciplinary team approach designed to optimally address patients’ needs after treatment ends. We work closely with collaborators at the Yale School of Public Health so that women have the opportunity to participate in studies designed to promote health and wellness before, during, and after treatment through interventions like healthy eating, physical activity, and mindfulness.
Smilow Cancer Hospital now offers The PAXMAN Scalp Cooling System, which helps reduce hair loss for people undergoing chemotherapy. To learn more, speak with your physician.
The Breast Center at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven has been granted a three-year full accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC), an accrediting body administered by the American College of Surgeons. The Center's affiliation with Yale Cancer Center makes it the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the Northeast to also have the NAPBC accreditation.
With MyChart, you can view your test results and doctor's comments from the comfort of your own home.
Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale New Haven offers cancer support groups.
It’s a staple of women’s health care that many take for granted: The regular mammogram.
When Roberta Lombardi was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2016, she had no idea her journey would result in a new organization, Infinite Strength, -- the foundation she created whose mission is to make medical treatments more accessible for all breast cancer patients. The non-profit group is also dedicated to helping Smilow Cancer Hospital patients offset costs not covered by insurance, which can make all the difference in the healing process, both physically and emotionally.
