Breast Cancer

If you have breast cancer — or if there is a high risk of breast cancer in your family — our team of highly trained experts at Mass General Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley is on your side. Our doctors come from Mass General Cancer Center, a world-renowned authority in breast cancer treatment. The collaboration between our centers means we bring the highest level of care from Boston to the local communities our patients call home.

Mass General Cancer Center at Newton-Wellesley
2014 Washington Street
Newton, MA 02462
Phone: 617-219-1230

Comprehensive Breast Cancer Treatment

Our team of board-certified doctors and nurses have a single goal: to successfully treat your breast cancer. We’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that’s personalized for you.

Depending on your unique type of breast cancer and your particular medical needs, your treatment plan may include one or more of the following:

• Medical oncology, the use of medications to treat your cancer
• Radiation oncology, the use of radiation to shrink or destroy tumors
• Surgical oncology, the physical removal of tumors or breast tissue

If you need chemotherapy as part of your treatment, you may benefit from the Paxman Scalp Cooling System, a treatment that can prevent hair loss caused by chemotherapy. This system has only received approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use with patients being treated for breast cancer, and we are the first center in Massachusetts to offer this revolutionary treatment.

Expert breast cancer care in your local community

We coordinate our breast cancer care with our colleagues at the Breast Cancer Clinic at the Auerbach Breast Center. Our collaboration allows us to offer patients a number of innovations, such as breast-conserving surgery and breast reconstruction.

In addition, we often participate in specialized clinical trials that test the latest, most advanced therapies for breast cancer. Learn more about our clinical trials.

Screening and Early Detection of Breast Cancer

Early detection is a key factor in breast cancer care. The earlier we find breast cancer, the more likely our patients will have successful treatment and achieve good outcomes.

We diagnose 69 percent of our patients with breast cancer in stage 0 or 1. That’s more than any other provider in our area, and it’s higher than the national rate of 58 percent, according to data from the Commission on Cancer. Our patients’ early diagnoses are due in part to our team’s dedication to screening for breast cancer.

One of the main tools in our screening and diagnostic program is the mammogram. This routine screening for women is essential to identify breast cancer early in the process. It’s crucial that you have annual mammograms based on your risk factors for breast cancer and your doctor’s recommendations.

Along with mammograms, we analyze your family health history to identify whether you’re at increased risk for breast cancer. Learn more about how we assess your risk for breast cancer.

Exceptional Care for You, Not Just Your Breast Cancer

Your experienced, compassionate nurse navigators will be there to help you throughout the cancer care process, from diagnosis to treatment and beyond. They will help you coordinate your appointments, direct you to support services, and provide a listening ear.

We encourage you to take advantage of our survivorship care options for patients who have received a cancer diagnosis or are undergoing treatment. Survivorship care and other options include:

• Our Cancer Genetics Program for certain types of breast cancer that have a genetic component to their risk, to minimize their risk of returning after treatment or to let your family members know if they might be at risk
• Mind, body, and relaxation services, including massage and meditation, which can lower stress and enhance your quality of life
• Cancer nutrition services, science-based guidance for managing your body’s nutritional needs during cancer treatment

In addition, we offer a number of helpful resources for you and your loved ones, such as our cancer support groups and other special programs.

No matter where you are on your breast cancer journey, our team will be there for you every step of the way.