San Francisco-based hospital is noted for its high-quality breast cancer treatment

Sutter’s California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC), a nationally recognized destination for exceptional cancer care, has been named to Newsweek’s list of America’s Best Cancer Hospitals 2023. Among CPMC’s ranking as a leading hospital in the field of oncology, the medical center is also noted for its standout breast cancer care. Newsweek and Statista compiled this first-ever cancer hospital ranking using data from a nationwide online survey, hospital quality metrics and patient-reported experiences.

Hamila Kownacki is CEO of Sutter’s CPMC

“CPMC is among 175 hospitals in the United States to be honored for our world class cancer treatment and patient outcomes,” said Hamila Kownacki, CEO of CPMC. “This prestigious recognition validates the dedication and effort of all of our physicians and care teams and reinforces our reputation as a hospital that provides benchmark leading care and excellent services for cancer patients.”

Dr. Mohammed Kashani-Sabet is Medical Director of CPMC’s Cancer Center

CPMC, a robust, multi-campus medical center in San Francisco, is part of the Sutter Health integrated health system. Its Cancer Center allow patients to benefit from the latest cancer treatments, advanced technology and experienced medical professionals. “We have developed ‘Centers of Excellence’ in multiple cancer areas, including breast, colorectal, hepatobiliary, and thoracic malignancies, as well as melanoma and neuro-oncology,” said Dr. Mohammed Kashani-Sabet, medical director of CPMC’s Cancer Center. “Beyond the innovative treatments, CPMC offers countless supportive services, including but not limited to nurse navigation, genetic counseling and social work.”

From discoveries to new diagnostics, the CPMC Research Institute (CPMCRI) also offers patients with certain types of cancers access to the latest groundbreaking research and clinical trials, including the Cancer Avatar Project. The project’s aim is to develop novel, individualized, combinatorial therapies for a number of aggressive, treatment-refractory solid tumors, including melanoma.

Comprehensive Cancer Services

CPMC offers a breadth of cancer programs and services under the guidance of expert multidisciplinary care teams – from oncologists to integrative practitioners to nurse navigators and more – each clinician is ready to guide and support patients throughout their entire journey, from diagnosis, treatment and management to survivorship.

“When you receive a cancer diagnosis, you’re plunged into a new world that’s filled with complex emotions, medical lingo, questions and urgent decision-making,” says Dr. Anne Peled, a breast cancer surgeon and co-director of CPMC’s Breast Care Center of Excellence. “Patients want to know what’s the best facility, with the latest treatments and expert doctors who are going to take good care of them. They turn to lists like these to help make informed decisions about where to seek the best possible care.”

Best for the Breast & Other Women’s Cancers

Dr. Anne Peled is breast cancer surgeon and co-director of CPMC’s Breast Care Center of Excellence

CPMC’s Center for Women’s Health Care at its Pacific Heights Outpatient Campus integrates its Breast Health Center, Women’s Health Resource Center and Pelvic Health Program for a comprehensive approach to women’s-specific cancer care. Should breast cancer treatment be necessary, options for patients include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy or a combination.

Dr. Peled, who is a pioneer in sensation-preserving mastectomy developed at CPMC and a breast cancer survivor, says, “Being in the hands of trusted, expert care can make all the difference in how you feel supported as you navigate your cancer journey. You want care that’s personalized, cutting edge and holistic, and that’s what we offer here at CPMC.”

The American College of Radiology designated CPMC’s Breast Health Center as a Breast Imaging Center of Excellence. The newly renovated center, which is the largest breast health imaging center in Northern California – completing more than 44,000 imaging exams and procedures each year – offers the latest 3D mammograms, breast ultrasounds and minimally invasive breast biopsy.

Sutter Health invests in the latest advanced imaging technology, using exclusively digital 3D mammograms to detect breast tumors at the earliest possible stage.

CPMC doctors also take a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary approach to addressing patients’ cancer.

“At CPMC, we believe that the best care comes from bringing a team of specialists together,” says Dr. Peled. Doctors and support staff at CPMC convene for weekly Tumor Board meetings to review and discuss breast cancer cases and determine the best treatment plan for each individual. “Patients benefit from knowing that all the specialists have communicated with each other,” she says.

Additionally, CPMC’s Notkin Family Breast Cancer Recovery Program, established in 2004, is a distinguishing feature of CPMC’s breast cancer program, offering extensive services to women for breast health and breast cancer support. This includes the Sister to Sister Breast Health Program, which provides no-cost mammography screenings for uninsured women who live in San Francisco.

Beyond leading medical care, CPMC’s Women’s Health Resource Center provides women with support, health education and resources for well-being. Available services include health consultations, a hair loss and post-breast surgery boutique, massage therapy, and classes such as gentle yoga. Women who are diagnosed with gynecological cancer can also receive supportive services during treatment and survivorship through CPMC’s nurse practitioner-led Ovarian and Reproductive Cancer Recovery Program.

Leaders in Advanced Cancer Technology

CPMC doctors work to push the innovation and clinical research envelope. Doctors at CPMC are actively involved in the clinical research to uncover new therapies for all types of cancers, including the latest investigational treatment approaches and medications. Read about a new procedure at CPMC that speeds early lung cancer care.

Within the Sutter Health network, there are 13 cancer centers that provide leading-edge treatments, access to clinical trials and nationally recognized cancer specialists.