Young Women’s Breast Cancer Program

Young adults with cancer face unique challenges. Like all patients, you deserve the very best care, focused on achieving the best possible health outcomes, symptom management and quality of life.

At Weill Cornell Medicine, our Young Women’s Breast Cancer Program is dedicated to providing optimal, multidisciplinary care to patients aged 45 and younger who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Under the leadership of Dr. Tessa Cigler and the medical oncology team, the Weill Cornell Young Women’s Breast Cancer program supports the unique needs and challenges of younger and pre-menopausal women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

You are not alone: About 9 percent of all new breast cancer cases occur to those 45 and younger. This figure is increasing, yet many young patients feel isolated and lonely.

During this stage of your life, you may be making decisions for yourself about your fertility, pregnancy, relationships, caring for children and other loved ones, as well as growing your career. Our program takes these factors into account when caring for young women with breast cancer.

We are here to provide the expert cancer care you need while helping you enjoy the health and life you want.

Exceptional Breast Health Specialists for Young Adults

The Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Center includes exemplary doctors who specialize in all areas of breast health. Our Young Women’s Breast Cancer Program includes providers who are experts in caring for young adults, offering supportive care to help you achieve the best possible health and quality of life.

Multidisciplinary care coordination to ensure best possible outcomes: Our program coordinates and expedites care in a streamlined and efficient manner. Our team includes surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, plastic surgeons, radiologists, pathologists, geneticists, dieticians, mental health providers, gynecologists and obstetricians, experts in bone health, fertility specialists and reproductive endocrinologists, as well as nurses and nurse navigators that specialize in all areas of breast conditions.

Access to advanced research and new treatment options: As a Weill Cornell Medicine patient, you will have access to leading research and clinical trials, including cooperative group trials that will potentially improve care and outcomes for you and other young adults. This means that your care and treatment is always based on the most up-to-date information.

Focus on Fertility and Reproductive Health

The Young Women’s Breast Cancer Program is dedicated to preserving your fertility, reproductive and sexual health. Our team includes experts in fertility preservation and reproductive medicine, and coordinates closely with the Weill Cornell Medicine Center for Reproductive Medicine. Your treatment plan will be personalized to promote your best possible reproductive health.

If you are diagnosed with breast cancer during pregnancy, you have unique needs to ensure the best care for both you and your baby, including comprehensive gynecologic, obstetric and cancer care. This promotes the best possible health and comfort throughout cancer treatment, during your pregnancy and beyond.

Focus on Your Body Image and Self-Confidence 

Our team understands that breast cancer treatment may impact your body image, self-confidence and sexual health. We are here to support you with compassion and enhance your confidence every step of the way. 

Our surgery team are experts in minimally invasive reconstructive breast surgery options to create breasts that look and feel natural. In addition, our team provides cold caps to minimize hair loss during breast cancer treatment. 

Weill Cornell Medicine Breast Cancer Survivorship Program is dedicated to helping our patients live the full and active life they want after treatment. This program helps our patients enjoy the best possible sexual health, as well as minimize any negative side effects of breast cancer treatment.

Complementary Care for Young Patients

As our patient, you have access to our complementary care services to ease pain, treatment-related neuropathy, fatigue, insomnia and help you feel supported and connected. You will benefit from:

●      Support groups and peer counseling support with other young patients with breast cancer who understand what you’re going through

●      Emotional and mental health support to help you navigate any feelings of anxiety, stress, feelings about your body image and changes in your sense of self before, during and after your treatment

●      Physical therapy, exercise, yoga and meditation programs to guide your recovery and help you live the most active life possible

●      Nutrition expertise for breast cancer patients to help you feel your best during and after treatment