Women's Cancer Services

Nearly 40% of women will develop cancer in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Cancers of the female reproductive system and breast cancer are among the most common.

Those statistics are alarming. But there's hope and help. There are now more treatment options for women's cancer than ever before. And better survival rates.

Diagnosing breast cancer and gynecologic cancers early can make a big difference in how long you survive and your quality of life. Doctors also know more about lifestyle changes that can reduce the risk of these and other cancers.

Why Start with a Women's Health Specialist?

If you're concerned about your risk for cancer, you don't have to go it alone. Cancer prevention and screening are part of the comprehensive care that women receive at UPMC. Your doctor will help guide your overall health, including cancer care if needed.

Women's Cancer Care Services at UPMC

UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pa., ranks among the best hospitals nationwide for cancer care. We received five Women's Choice Awards in 2024, including the top 2% of hospitals in cancer care and the top 6% in mammogram imaging.

Through our Cancer Genetics Program, you can also receive genetic counseling to learn about your inherited risk of breast cancer and gynecologic cancers based on your personal and family cancer history.

Breast Cancer Care

One in eight women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime. It's the most common type of female cancer impacting women's health, according to the National Cancer Institute (NCI). Men can also get breast cancer.

Types of breast cancer we treat

Magee-Womens Breast Cancer Program at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center provides complete and compassionate care for breast cancers.

These include:

• Breast cancer during pregnancy.
• Breast cancer in men.
• Ductal and invasive ductal carcinoma — The most common type of breast cancer.
• Inflammatory breast cancer.
• Lobular breast carcinoma.
• Paget's disease of the nipple.

Breast cancer care services at UPMC

The ACS estimates nearly 311,000 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in 2024. Early detection can make a difference in long-term survival and treatment options.

Breast cancer care services include:

• Breast cancer risk assessment and prevention program.
• Diagnostic services, including 3D or digital mammography, MRI, ultrasound, minimally invasive breast biopsy, and radioactive seed localization.
• Hidden scar breast cancer surgery — Available at UPMC in Central Pa., which is one of only three Centers of Excellence for Hidden Scar surgery in the state.
• Research and clinical trials.
• Specialty care — including high-risk breast cancer, breast cancer in men, breast cancer under age 50, and breast cancer during pregnancy.

Your breast cancer care team

UPMC Magee-Womens doctors and specialists provide expert breast oncology care to help prevent, diagnose, and treat breast cancer. Your care team is with you every step of the way, guiding your care before, during, and after treatment.

Depending on the type of cancer you have and the treatment you need, your cancer care team may include:

• Cancer doctors (oncologists), including breast cancer, radiation, and cancer surgery specialists.
• Genetic counselors.
• Imaging experts (radiologists).
• Nurses.
• Nutritional therapists.
• Pathologists.
• Plastic and reconstructive surgeons.
• Psychologists.
• Social workers.

Gynecologic Cancer Services

About 94,000 women are diagnosed with gynecologic cancers each year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Magee-Womens Gynecologic Cancer Program treats these and less common forms of gynecologic cancers.

We treat:

• Cervical cancer.
• Endometrial or uterine cancer.
• Gestational trophoblastic tumors.
• Ovarian, peritoneal, and fallopian tube cancers.
• Vaginal cancer.
• Vulvar cancer.

The Magee Center for Vulvar and Vaginal Health treats precancerous conditions of the vulva and vagina.

Gynecologic cancer care services

Depending on your type of gynecologic cancer and your fertility goals, you will receive cancer care tailored to your specific needs.

Gynecologic cancer treatment options include:

• Chemotherapy and hormone therapy, including intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
• Radiation therapy.
• Sentinel lymph node mapping.
• Surgery, including minimally invasive surgery for gynecologic cancer and robotic-assisted surgery for gynecologic cancer.

Our comprehensive treatment options and services include:

• Fertility preservation.
• Gynecologic research and clinical trials. 
• Integrative, holistic medicine.
• Supportive care for you and your family.

Your gynecologic cancer care team at UPMC

Gynecologic cancers can get in the way of fertility and pregnancy. When you come to UPMC Magee-Womens, you will have access to a team of board-certified ob-gyns with advanced training in women's cancers called gynecologic oncologists.

Your gynecologic oncology care team may include:

• Cancer doctors (oncologists), including those who specialize in gynecologic cancers, radiation, and cancer surgery.
• General gynecologists.
• Genetic counselors.
• Nurse practitioners, clinical research nurses, and physician assistants trained in gynecologic cancer care.
• Palliative care specialists
• Radiologists.
• Reproductive specialists.
• Patient navigators.
• Social workers.

Contact Us About Women's Cancer Services

For more information on women's cancers or to make an appointment, call 1-866-696-2433.

By UPMC Editorial Staff. Last reviewed on 2024-09-05.