Center for Breast Care Services

The George Washington University Hospital's Center for Breast Care Services offers a comprehensive program for early detection, diagnosis, and treatment of breast cancer, as well as services for those at high risk for breast cancer.

Combining advanced technology with superior medical and surgical care, the center is staffed by a team of specialists to evaluate and treat both benign and malignant breast diseases.

Patients have access to a wide range of breast imaging techniques and minimally invasive techniques used to perform breast biopsies. If a woman is diagnosed with cancer, an individualized plan of care will be coordinated with her surgeon.

Surgical procedures range from breast conserving treatments such as a lumpectomy — to simple and modified radical mastectomies. Sentinel node mapping is offered to eligible patients so that a full lymph node dissection may not have to be performed. If a mastectomy needs to be performed, patients are referred to our plastic surgeons to discuss their reconstruction options.

The Center for Breast Care Services offers support and educational programs for patients and their families including a resource library, individual psychotherapy and on-site support groups.

As part of an academic medical center, The George Washington University Hospital's Center for Breast Care Services is at the forefront of breast cancer research and prevention. Voluntary participation in clinical trials at GW is available through research grants from national funding sources to further knowledge of the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.

Recommendations for Breast Cancer Screening

Rachel Brem, MD, Director of the GW Breast Imaging and Intervention Center, recommends that women continue to have mammograms beginning at age 40, regardless of family history, to optimize their chances for early detection and treatment. Dr. Brem recommends that women follow the American Cancer Society guidelines* for early cancer detection. Learn more >