Breast cancer is the most common cancer diagnosed in women in the United States, and it can affect men as well. At the GW Cancer Center, you’ll find more than treatment — you’ll find a team that listens, guides, and walks beside you from diagnosis through survivorship.
Our Breast Cancer Program brings together nationally recognized specialists, advanced therapies, innovative clinical trials, and comprehensive support services in one coordinated, patient-centered program.
Comprehensive, Team-Based Care
From your first visit, your care is shaped by a multidisciplinary team that collaborates closely to design a personalized treatment plan tailored to your diagnosis, biology, goals, and lifestyle.
Your care team may include:
- Medical oncologists
- Breast surgeons and surgical oncologists
- Radiation oncologists
- Plastic and reconstructive surgeons
- Radiologists and pathologists
- Genetic counselors
- Oncology nurses and nurse navigators
- Social workers and supportive care specialists
Every case is reviewed thoughtfully, and recommendations are grounded in the latest evidence and national guidelines.
Advanced Diagnosis and Risk Assessment
Early and accurate diagnosis matters. Our program offers:
- Advanced breast imaging
- Image-guided biopsy
- Genetic counseling and testing for hereditary breast cancer risk
High-risk assessment and screening programs
If you have a strong family history or genetic mutation such as BRCA1 or BRCA2, our team helps you understand your options — from enhanced screening to risk-reducing strategies.
Personalized Treatment Options
Breast cancer is not one disease. It includes many subtypes, each requiring a different approach. At GW, your treatment plan may include:
- Surgery
- Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy)
- Mastectomy (including nipple-sparing techniques when appropriate)
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
- Axillary lymph node dissection
- Oncoplastic surgery
- Immediate or delayed breast reconstruction
Our surgical team works closely with reconstructive surgeons to preserve both health and quality of life.
- Medical Oncology
- Chemotherapy
- Hormone (endocrine) therapy
- Targeted therapy
- HER2-directed therapy
- Immunotherapy
We tailor systemic therapies based on tumor biology, stage, and genomic testing when appropriate.
- Radiation Therapy
- Whole-breast radiation
- Partial-breast radiation
- Advanced techniques that minimize exposure to the heart and lungs
Radiation plans are designed with precision to maximize effectiveness and reduce side effects.
Access to Clinical Trials
As an academic cancer center, GW offers access to clinical trials evaluating new therapies and treatment strategies. Participation may provide access to promising options not yet widely available.
Our research-driven approach ensures you receive care informed by the latest scientific advances.
If you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer, are seeking a second opinion, or are concerned about your risk, our team is here to guide you with clarity, expertise, and respect.