4/23/2026
WASHINGTON, Pa. — Residents of Washington County and surrounding communities now have greater access to comprehensive breast cancer care close to home with the addition of breast surgery services at UPMC Washington. The expanded services strengthen the area’s coordinated cancer care network that includes UPMC Washington and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center medical oncology and radiation oncology.“Enhancing breast surgery services at UPMC Washington is an important step in providing more complete, coordinated cancer care locally,” said Brook Ward, president of UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene. “This expansion brings patients access to comprehensive breast cancer care close to home, building on the nationally ranked UPMC Hillman Cancer Center medical and radiation oncology services already embedded here in Washington.”
Comprehensive Breast Cancer Care
From screening and diagnosis through treatment and survivorship, patients can access a full, coordinated range of breast cancer services locally. These services include digital and 3D tomosynthesis mammography, breast ultrasound, MRI, stereotactic breast biopsy, sentinel lymph node identification, seed localization associated with breast surgery, bone densitometry and breast surgery. Patients also benefit from breast cancer support groups and an oncology-focused exercise program offered at the UPMC Wellness Center at the Wilfred R. Cameron Pavilion in Washington, Pa.
Expanded Surgical Expertise UPMC Washington recently welcomed Rebecca Edmonds, M.D., a board‑certified general surgeon with specialized training in surgical oncology and breast surgery. Dr. Edmonds earned her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine and completed both her general surgery residency and surgical oncology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Diagnostic Imaging and Radiation Oncology Support
Diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology services are supported by Giovanna Aracri, D.O., a breast radiologist who is board‑certified in diagnostic radiology and completed her training at Nova Southeastern University, Allegheny General Hospital and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Investment in UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Washington
These clinical services are complemented by continued investment in the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Washington, which recently completed a $3.75 million renovation at the medical oncology center focused on enhancing patient comfort, privacy and efficiency. The renovation also expanded patient access with additional treatment chairs, private exam rooms and fast-track services for lab work and port flushes.
A second phase of investment is underway, including $6.5 million dedicated to radiation oncology, which will be used to purchase a new linear accelerator (Linac) expected to be operational in 2026, bringing enhanced treatment capabilities into the community. This expansion will further strengthen access to advanced radiation therapy services for Washington County and surrounding communities.
Meeting Community Health Needs
Together, these enhancements reflect UPMC’s commitment to addressing needs identified through UPMC’s Community Health Needs Assessment, particularly related to early detection, chronic disease management and access to specialty care.
By expanding breast cancer services and investing in facilities and technology, UPMC continues to reduce barriers to care and improve outcomes for people across the region.
