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Breast Cancer Program
Part of Stanford Women's Cancer Center
Leaders in Breast Cancer Treatment
At Stanford, we offer you the most advanced diagnosis and treatment options for breast cancer, no matter how common or complex the cancer type.
Our compassionate, world-renowned doctors are pioneering new ways to bring you the best care for breast cancer.
WHAT WE OFFER YOU FOR BREAST CANCER CARE
- Specialized expertise in treating all types of breast cancer from early to advanced stages. Go to Conditions Treated
- Advanced treatment options in breast cancer surgery, radiation, and medical therapy with the latest techniques research has to offer. Go to Treatments
- Clinical trials that can offer you earlier access to new developments in breast cancer treatment. Go to Clinical Trials
- Team-based approach to diagnosis and treatment for seamless, coordinated care with all of your breast cancer specialists under one roof. Go to Your Care Team
- Comprehensive support services to help you and your family focus on health and healing. Go to Support Services
- Easy access to imaging services, outpatient radiation and infusion therapy, and other services in multiple locations. Go to Accessing Care
Every member of our expert team has subspecialty training in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment to bring you the expertise you need and care you can trust.
We are devoted to offering you the most effective care based on the latest scientific data. Our robust research program and clinical trials have informed many of the leading technologies and approaches used to diagnose and treat breast cancer today.
Our breast surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, geneticists, and other specialists work side by side every day. We bring together the right team of experts to understand and treat your unique needs.
Our areas of expertise in diagnosing and treating breast cancer include:
- Early-stage invasive breast cancer
- Advanced or metastatic invasive breast cancer
- Noninvasive (in situ) breast cancer
- Recurrent breast cancer
- Treatment refractory breast cancer
- Hereditary breast cancer and high-risk counseling
- Evaluation and work-up of suspected breast cancer
- Inflammatory breast cancer
- Breast cancer during pregnancy
- Breast cancer in young women
- Male breast cancer
Our doctors help define the national protocols for breast cancer through their active role in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Guideline Panels.
Our pioneering work in cancer began in 1956, when we were the first in the Western Hemisphere to use a linear accelerator for cancer treatment. We have been pushing the possibilities ever since and driving innovation to provide better breast cancer care.
INNOVATION HIGHLIGHTS
- We were the first to use gene expression profiling to identify molecular subtypes of breast cancer. This groundbreaking work has had a major impact on our understanding of breast cancer biology.
- We developed some of the first protocols for breast MRI imaging and continue to lead developments in breast imaging for diagnosis and treatment planning.
- Our intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) program, combining radiation and surgery in one procedure, was one of the first in the nation. We continue to provide the most advanced IORT services today.
Treatments
We emphasize personalized care plans designed to meet your physical, emotional, and daily living needs. Our breast imaging specialists take special measures to study your unique anatomy while working hand-in-hand with specially trained breast pathologists to provide you an accurate diagnosis. Our doctors then work closely with you to develop the best treatment plan for you. Whether you are seeking a diagnosis, searching for new hope, or proactively planning ahead, we are here to help set you on the right care path.
Newly Diagnosed Patients
Get the answers and expert guidance you need in a compassionate care setting. You can also access Stanford’s renowned breast imaging and pathology teams for a detailed diagnosis.
Recurrent & Metastatic Patients
Find the specialized expertise and hope you need to tackle cancer when it returns or spreads. Our Tumor Genomics Program can help identify a cancer’s unique genetic fingerprint and provide critical insights for fighting it. Through our clinical trials offerings, you can explore promising new therapies before they are widely available.
Genetic High-Risk Patients
We have one of the most established Cancer Genetics programs in the country. If you have a family history of breast cancer, we can help you and your family members understand your risk and provide guidance on how to proactively manage it.
Clinical trials
We offer one of the nation’s most robust clinical trial programs for breast cancer. These research studies evaluate new medical approaches, devices, drugs, and other treatments.
As a Stanford Health Care patient, you may be eligible to participate in open clinical trials. Open trials refer to studies currently recruiting participants or that may recruit participants in the near future. Closed trials are not currently enrolling, but similar studies may open in the future.
To learn more about the clinical trials we offer, contact Pei-Jen Chang at 650-725-0866.
Your Care Team
Each woman’s breast cancer experience is unique, which is why we provide customized care for you. Our doctors, nurses, technicians, and staff are here to support you throughout your journey with treatment plans tailored to fit your individual needs. At weekly Tumor Board meetings, experts from multiple disciplines review cases that require more complex recommendations.
Your Doctors
Medical Oncologist
Medical oncologists have specialized training in diagnosing and treating breast cancer using medications, including chemotherapy and biological, hormonal, and targeted therapy.
View All {0} Medical Oncologists »Radiation Oncologist
Radiation oncologists have subspecialty training in using high-energy radiation to destroy or prevent the spread of cancer while protecting healthy tissue.
View All {0} Radiation Oncologists »Breast Reconstructive Surgeon
Breast Reconstruction Surgeons have specialty training in rebuilding and reshaping breasts after cancer surgery to remove tumors. Many breast reconstruction surgeons are plastic surgeons and use synthetic implants or tissue from elsewhere in your body to reconstruct your breast.
View All {0} Breast Reconstructive Surgeons »General Surgeon
General surgeons have training in performing surgeries for a variety of conditions and body systems, but can also select a specific body system to focus on.
View All {0} General Surgeons »Radiologist
A radiologist who specializes in breast cancer has additional training in imaging technologies, including X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRI, to detect and diagnose breast cancer. These doctors interpret imaging results and take biopsies, as needed, to help confirm a diagnosis.
View All {0} Radiologists »Pathologist
These doctors have special training in detecting and diagnosing cancer by examining tissue samples, taken during a biopsy under a microscope. Pathologists work closely with oncologists to determine the type and stage of breast cancer you have.
View All {0} Pathologists »Stanford is an Academic Medical Center, which is a type of hospital setting where doctors teach medical students as they progress through medical school and training. Stanford Medicine is a partnership between Stanford University School of Medicine and Stanford Health Care. Since Stanford is a teaching hospital, you can expect to meet many providers and providers in training.
- Attending Physician: a doctor who supervises doctors in training or in medical school
- Fellow: a doctor doing postgraduate level work and specializing in care of patients with cancer
- Resident: a doctor who has graduated from medical school and is in training (also called “residency”) here at Stanford. A resident is also called an intern
Extended Care Team
These cancer specialists are nurse practitioners and physician assistants who work closely with your oncologist to provide support and help with diagnosis and treatment. They may also recommend medications and lifestyle changes.
ADVANCED PRACTICE PROVIDERS
Nurses, new patient coordinators, patient access representatives, and medical assistants coordinate your care with your breast cancer team. They guide you from your first contact through follow-up care and help you find counseling, financial, and other support services.
Multidisciplinary Care Coordinators
These registered nurses provide one-on-one support throughout your care journey. They help you navigate from your first contact with us to follow-up care, assessing your needs, answering your questions, making referrals, coordinating appointments, and providing education.
Care coordinators provide you with information and assistance prior to and during your appointment.
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants bring you to your exam room after you check in for your appointments. They take your vital signs before your doctor sees you.
New Patient Coordinator
Our coordinators contact you before your first appointment and help prepare you by providing the information you need to know and bring with you.
Patient Access Representative
Our patient access representatives greet you at the front desk and register you for your appointments.
Genetic Counselors
Genetic counselors in the Stanford Cancer Genetics Program have special training to advise you and your family on identifying and managing any risk of inherited breast cancer. They work with you and your doctors to coordinate genetic testing and help you understand the results.
Research Coordinators
If you qualify for a clinical trial for breast cancer care, our research coordinators guide you through the process. They educate you about what to expect during the study, answer your questions, and schedule your appointments.
Support Services
PathWell Support Services
As part of your care, we design a personalized wellness plan to support your comfort before, during and after treatment, and to help your family cope with the effects of having a loved one in cancer treatment.
With just one call to PathWell, you and your loved ones can speak with a specially trained nurse who can help assess your needs and connect you to the support services that are right for you. Contact Pathwell for your personal support plan »
- Palliative Medicine
- Psycho-Oncology: Psychiatrists and Psychologists
- Sleep Clinic
- Spiritual Care
- Stanford Health Library
- Support Groups, Classes, and Workshops
- Wigs and Cosmetic Support
In addition to our world-renowned doctors and research, the Breast Cancer Program offers you ease of access and convenience. Our services are available through multiple locations throughout the Bay Area.
Frequently Asked Questions
We participate in a wide range of insurance plans. View the list of insurance plans accepted by Stanford Health Care »
Have insurance or pre-authorization questions? The Patient Financial Clearance team is available Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., to answer your questions. Please call 650-724-4445 or 1-877-291-7335 (toll free).
When choosing a doctor, it’s important to consider the doctor’s clinical training, experience and expertise in a specialized area that matches your health care needs.
You can find the right Stanford doctor for you by using our doctor directory and filtering the results based on a medical category, specialty, or doctor’s last name. View a list of our breast cancer doctors »
We offer a number of breast cancer support services to support your comfort and healing, including genetic counseling, interpreter services, support groups, wig bank, nurse navigators, nutrition services, pain management, fertility preservation, financial counseling, and a variety of classes and events.
To develop a personalized plan for supportive care, just call our Pathwell Program. A trained Pathwell nurse coordinator can help assess your needs and schedule the right combination of services for you and your family. Learn more about the Pathwell Support Program »
You can call the clinic directly to schedule an appointment with a Stanford breast cancer specialist. To make an appointment, call the Breast Cancer Program at 650-498-6004.
Yes, Stanford Health Care offers financial assistance for patients who are uninsured or underinsured. Meet with one of our financial counselors to find the best approach to paying for your health care. Financial counselors are available Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Learn more about financial assistance services »
Managing treatment for gynecologic cancer is a highly personalized process. Our care team guides you every step of the way. To help you prepare for your first appointment, review the Patient Family Resource Guide for helpful information, including:
- What to expect and what to bring on the day of your appointment
- Maps, directions, parking, public transit options, and contact information
- Suggested questions to ask your doctor
Patients receiving breast reconstruction or plastic surgery should bring the Breast Reconstruction Surgery New Patient Visit Questionnaire to their appointment.
For your first appointment, you should plan to bring any related test results and your medical history to share with your doctor. Our clinic receptionists will confirm the information you should bring with you prior to your first appointment.
You will also need to have the following information with you when you check in:
- Insurance card
- A form of payment for any co-pays or deductibles
- One form of photo ID:
- Valid state-issued driver’s license
- Valid state-issued ID card
- Valid passport
- Valid U.S. Military ID card
- Valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card
- Your Resource Guide with your forms completed
Most of our locations offer convenient valet and self-parking options. See the Patient Family Resource Guide for information on parking validation and fees. For assistance getting to your appointment, the staff at Stanford Cancer Navigation Services are here to help. Please call 650-723-4268.
Please see Directions and Parking information for:
We recommend you allow enough time to park to ensure you arrive on time. Due to construction near the main hospital campus, please plan to arrive 30 minutes to 1 hour prior to your appointment time at our Palo Alto location. This will allow you plenty of time to park, locate your clinic and complete any additional paperwork.
Please print, fill out, and return the Medical Record Release Form to your new patient coordinator. The medical release form is an authorization form for external facilities to release medical records to Stanford Health Care.
Always feel free to bring someone with you to your appointments. A family member or friend can help ask questions, remember the information your care team gives you, and provide support. To help you or your loved one prepare, view our Patient Family Resource Guide.
By California state law, you must let your care team know that you would like to record your conversation if you would like help remembering your discussion with your care team.
Write down your questions before your appointment and rank them in order of importance, beginning with the most important ones. If there isn’t enough time to have all your questions answered during your appointment, ask your doctor who you can speak with to get your other questions answered.
Yes, please visit International Services for further information.
We offer a number of support services to support your comfort and healing before, during and after treatment, including genetic counseling, interpreter services, support groups, wig bank, nurse navigators, nutrition services, pain management, fertility preservation, financial counseling, and a variety of classes and events.
To develop a personalized support plan, just call our Pathwell Program. A trained Pathwell nurse coordinator can help assess your needs and schedule the right combination of services for you and your family. Learn more about the Pathwell Support Program »
If you need to cancel or change your appointment, please call us as soon as possible, at least 24 hours in advance.
Please call our receptionists at the appropriate clinic location. They are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to help you reschedule or cancel your appointment.
- Breast Cancer Program in Palo Alto at 650-498-6004
- Breast Cancer Program in San Jose at 408-426-4900
To determine if a clinical trial is right for you, talk to your doctor. He or she can refer you to a research coordinator for more information on studies that may be right for your specific condition.
You can also find the guidelines for who can participate in a particular clinical trial online. However, it is best to work with your doctor to decide the right care approach for your needs.
View list of open, breast cancer clinical trials at Stanford »
You have multiple options when it comes to paying your bill.
- Online:
- You can pay your bill in MyHealth or the MyHealth mobile app, our secure health information tool for patients
- You can also pay as a guest without creating a login.
- By mail:
- Stanford Health Care Hospital Payment Processing P.O. Box 740715, Los Angeles, CA 90074-0715
- By calling a Customer Service Representative at 1-800-549-3720, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
For more information about billing, visit our Billing page.
Patient billing services at Stanford Health Care are provided by the billing office. To inquire about a bill that you received, please contact customer service:
Stanford Hospital Billing
Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
1-800-549-3720
Yes, please visit International Services for further information.
Many of our programs are available to international patients.
Our International Medicine Services team can help you find the right doctor, estimate medical costs, book travel, and get you information about Stanford programs and services.
Please call +1 650-723-8561 or email IMS@stanfordheatlhcare.org to get started.
For Referring Physicians
PHYSICIAN HELPLINE
Phone: 1-866-742-4811
Fax: 650-320-9443
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Stanford Health Care provides comprehensive services to refer and track patients, as well as the latest information and news for physicians and office staff. For help with all referral needs and questions, visit Referring Physicians.
HOW TO REFER
Fax a referral form with supporting documentation to 650-320-9443.
Please note, though this form is from Stanford Health Care, it is also used for all Cancer Center referrals.
Track your patients' progress and communicate with Stanford providers securely online.
