Breast Cancer

Breast Care Center

At the UCSF Breast Care Center, we care for patients with breast cancer and other breast health issues or concerns. We focus on screening for early breast cancer detection and on delivering more effective and less toxic therapies. We also conduct research that explores breast cancer's causes, biology and behavior, with the goal of developing even better prevention and treatment strategies.

Our team of breast surgeons, breast plastic and reconstructive surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, pathologists, psychologists and nutritionists work together to thoroughly address all our patients' concerns. Patients also have access to many support services, from meditation groups to dance classes. To make it easier for patients to access breast care wherever they live, we have locations throughout the Bay Area. See our Breast Care Center locations below and visit our Breast Cancer page for additional services and locations.

After completing cancer treatment, patients are referred to the UCSF Breast Cancer Follow-up Program, where they receive regular breast checkups as well as screening tests and lab evaluations as needed. We also work to address quality-of-life issues that may arise after treatment, such as dealing with the symptoms of chemotherapy-induced menopause, taking hormonal drugs or halting hormone replacement therapy, sexual issues, mood or sleep disturbances, nutrition questions and general well-being.

Patient materials

Our locations (4)

    Other UCSF cancer care options near you (3)

    Cancer Center Redwood City

    Cancer Center Redwood City

    2900 Whipple Ave., Suite 130
    Redwood City, CA 94062

    Cancer Center San Mateo

    Cancer Center San Mateo

    218 DeAnza Blvd.
    San Mateo, CA 94402

    2

    UCSF – Washington Cancer Center

    UCSF – Washington Cancer Center

    See our locations in Fremont.

    Conditions we treat

    • Abnormal mammogram

    • ADH (atypical ductal hyperplasia)

    • ALH (atypical lobular hyperplasia)

    • BRCA 1 genetic mutation

    • BRCA 2 genetic mutation

    • Breast cancer (localized)

    • Breast cancer (metastatic)

    • Breast lump

    • Breast pain

    • Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS)

    • Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer

    • Lobular carcinoma in situ (LCIS)

    • Nipple discharge

    Our team

    View providers by category
    • View all (57)
    • Breast surgery (13)
    • Medical oncology (18)
    • Plastic surgery (7)
    • Radiation oncology (2)
    • Radiology (11)
    • Social work (2)

    Explore what we do

    Cutting-edge breast cancer care

    Dr. Laura Esserman, a surgeon at the Breast Care Clinic, discusses the latest findings on breast cancer risk, screening and treatment.

    Read the story on ucsf.edu

    Partner clinics (8)

    Breast Imaging

    Breast Imaging

    1825 Fourth St., Third Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    5

    Radiation Oncology Program

    Radiation Oncology Program

    See all three of our San Francisco locations.

    Breast Care Plastic Surgery Clinic

    Breast Care Plastic Surgery Clinic

    1825 Fourth St., Third Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    MarinHealth Breast Surgery & Breastfeeding Medicine

    MarinHealth Breast Surgery & Breastfeeding Medicine

    1350 S. Eliseo Dr., Suite 300
    Greenbrae, CA 94904

    2

    Hereditary Cancer Clinic

    Hereditary Cancer Clinic

    See both of our San Francisco locations.

    Breast Cancer Prevention Program

    Breast Cancer Prevention Program

    1825 Fourth St., Third Floor
    San Francisco, California 94158

    Lab Services at Mission Bay

    Lab Services at Mission Bay

    1825 Fourth St., Third Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    Lab Services at Mount Zion

    Lab Services at Mount Zion

    2330 Post St., First Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94115

    U.S. News rankings

    • U S News and World Report badge recognizing UCSF as part of its 2024-2025 Honor Roll

      Among the top hospitals in the nation

    • Best in Northern California and No. 7 in the nation for cancer care

    Accreditations & memberships

    • National Cancer Institute

      The National Cancer Institute has designated UCSF a comprehensive cancer center, its highest ranking. This designation is awarded to centers that demonstrate scientific excellence and the ability to conduct cancer research across many disciplines.

      Learn more

    • Commission on Cancer

      UCSF's cancer programs have been accredited by the American College of Surgeons' Commission on Cancer (CoC) since 1933. The CoC is a consortium of groups dedicated to improving cancer patients' survival and quality of life via research, education and better medical care.

      Learn more

    • National Comprehensive Cancer Network

      UCSF is a member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the world’s top cancer centers. The network brings together leaders in treatment and research to improve the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of cancer care.

      Learn more
    Decorative Caduceus

    MammaPrint, BluePrint, and Full-genome Data Linked With Clinical Data to Evaluate New Gene EXpr...

    Create a large scale registry of full genome expression data with clinical data to investigate possible new gene associations with prognostic or predictive value.

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    MammaPrint, BluePrint, and Full-genome Data Linked With Clinical Data to Evaluate New Gene EXpr...

    Create a large scale registry of full genome expression data with clinical data to investigate possible new gene associations with prognostic or predictive value.

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Improving Survival for Metastatic Lobular Breast Cancer (PLUMB Registry)

    Feasibility is defined as enrollment of 10-12 patients with metastatic ILC in the first 2 years across all participating sites, and collection of clinical assessments in >=75% of treating medical oncologists

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Studying the Effect of Denosumab on Preventing Breast Cancer in Women With a BRCA1 Germline Mut...

    Time to breast cancer (invasive or DCIS) will be compared between the two treatment arms using a stratified Cox proportional hazards regression model.

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    DCIS: RECAST Trial Ductal Carcinoma In Situ: Re-Evaluating Conditions for Active Surveillance S...

    Fraction of patients remaining on active surveillance at 7 months compared to control

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Pilot Study of Pancreatic Cancer Screening

    Proportion of participants with an abnormal MRI finding will be reported as an event. An estimated event rate of 19% in participants with a strong family history (FH) of pancreatic cancer and 10% in those participants without a st...

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Digital Tomosynthesis Mammography and Digital Mammography in Screening Patients for Breast Canc...

    The cumulative proportions of participants experiencing the primary endpoint in the two study arms will be compared. The primary comparison of the two study arms will be approached from an Intent-to-Treat perspective and will be b...

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    I-SPY COVID-19 TRIAL: An Adaptive Platform Trial for Critically Ill Patients

    Time to reach a durable COVID-19 level 4 or less or discharge at COVID-level 4 or lower (except for discharge to another hospital), and time to death (mortality). Data will be analyzed for 3 groups: - All - COVID-19 level...

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    Study of HRO761 Alone or in Combination in Cancer Patients With Specific DNA Alterations Called...

    Month 36 is assumed to be study end. Incidence and severity of AEs and SAEs by treatment group, including changes in vital signs, electrocardiograms (ECGs) and laboratory results qualifying and reported as AEs.

    Recruiting

    Decorative Caduceus

    ARX788 for Treating Patients With HER2-low Locally Advanced Unresectable or Metastatic Breast C...

    Objective response rate (ORR) is defined as the proportion of participants who experience complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) using Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) 1.1. The ORR and corresponding t...

    Recruiting

    Support services

    Support Group

    Art for Recovery

    Creativity can help people with serious illnesses cope, heal and express what they're going through. Find out about our program and how to join.

    Fitness

    Cancer Exercise Counseling

    Our one-on-one exercise training sessions, customized for your needs and abilities, can complement other cancer treatments and speed your recovery.

    Patient Resource

    Cancer Nutrition Counseling

    UCSF Health offers free nutrition counseling to our patients with cancer, as well as nutrition seminars that are open to anyone. Learn more.

    Support Group

    Cancer Support Groups

    These groups offered by the Ida and Joseph Friend Patient and Family Cancer Support Center are free and available to all patients, whether or not you get your health care at UCSF.

    Fitness

    Core & More Class for Cancer Patients

    A strong body helps you fight cancer and enjoy life. Join this class to stabilize your core, strengthen your muscles and improve overall fitness. For cancer patients and caregivers!

    Patient Resource

    Friend to Friend Specialty Shops

    A one-stop boutique for patients with cancer. Get professional help with wigs, prostheses, sun-protective clothing, makeup, skin care and more.

    Class

    Meditation & Guided Imagery for Cancer Patients

    Drop in for a free class designed to help you heal, relax and find balance during your treatment. UCSF and non-UCSF patients are welcome.

    Patient Resource

    Oncology Social Work

    Social workers offer support, problem-solving, help accessing UCSF cancer-related resources and more. Find out how to contact the social worker for your clinic.

    Patient Resource

    Patient & Family Cancer Support Center

    The center offers wellness programming, community, support groups, classes, workshops and more at no cost to people facing cancer and their loved ones.

    Support Group

    Peer Support Programs for Cancer

    Patients are matched with peer support volunteers according to criteria such as diagnosis, cancer stage, age or gender. Speak to someone who's "been there."

    Patient Resource

    UCSF Patient Support Corps

    Receiving a breast cancer diagnosis is stressful. Get guidance, support and answers to your questions here as you consider your options and make decisions.

    Special programs

    Breast Cancer Coordinated Diagnostic Evaluation

    The Breast Cancer Coordinated Diagnostic Evaluation Program evaluates and diagnoses women and men with abnormal mammograms in one day.Learn more here.

    Screening mammograms

    Screening mammograms are the most reliable way to detect breast cancer early, when it's easiest to treat.

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your condition
    • List of your medications, including dosages, plus any you're allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    International Services

    If you live outside the United States and are coming to UCSF for medical treatment, our patient liaisons can help coordinate all aspects of your visit.

    Learn more

    Interpreting Services

    UCSF offers interpreters in various languages, including American Sign Language (ASL), as well as services for deaf, hard-of-hearing and visually impaired patients.

    Learn more

    Hospital Stays

    Make your hospital stay as smooth and comfortable as possible by finding out how to prepare and what to expect.

    Learn more

    Your Doctor Visit

    See our top 10 tips for making your UCSF doctor’s appointment as stress-free and productive as possible.

    Learn more

    Related clinics

    Cancer Clinical Trials & Investigational Treatments Center

    Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building

    1825 Fourth St., Fifth Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    (415) 885-7796
    M-F, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    Cancer Symptom Management

    Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building

    1825 Fourth St.
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    (415) 885-7671

    Infusion Center

    Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building

    1825 Fourth St., Fourth Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    Lymphedema Clinic

    1825 Fourth St., Third Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    (415) 353-7070

    Psycho-Oncology

    Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building

    1825 Fourth St.
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    (415) 353-7019

    Osher Center for Integrative Health

    1545 Divisadero St., Fourth Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94115

    (415) 353-7700
    M-F, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    Cancer Survivorship and Wellness Institute

    Bakar Precision Cancer Medicine Building

    See both of our San Francisco locations.

    (415) 514-2880

    Cancer Genetics and Prevention Program

    UCSF-John Muir Health Cancer Center in Berkeley

    See all five of our Bay Area locations and learn about the program.

    Cancer Center San Mateo

    218 DeAnza Blvd.
    San Mateo, CA 94402

    M-F, 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

    UCSF-John Muir Health Cancer Center in Berkeley

    Berkeley Outpatient Center

    3100 San Pablo Ave., Suite 280
    Berkeley, CA 94702

    (510) 420-8000
    M-F, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

    UCSF – Washington Cancer Center

    Genetic Counseling

    See our locations in Fremont.

    (510) 248-1600
    M-F, 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    Our research initiatives

    • Athena-Breast-Health-Network-2x

      Athena Breast Health Network

      The Athena Breast Health Network, a collaborative organization that includes UCSF, promotes data sharing to help all partners deliver more effective and personalized care to patients with breast cancer.

      Learn more
    • breast-cancer-trials-2x

      Breast Cancer Trials

      BreastCancerTrials.org helps match patients who want to participate in breast cancer research with open studies that are right for them.

      Learn more
    • UCSF-Helen-Diller-Family-Comprehensive-Cancer-Center-Research-2x

      UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center Research

      UCSF is home to a range of research initiatives aimed at improving outcomes for cancer patients everywhere. This includes research on topics such as immunotherapy, BRCA mutations and molecular diagnostic testing.

      Learn more

    Recommended reading

    Navigating Your Path to Breast Care

    Different services and information are needed at different points in breast health care and breast cancer treatment. Learn more here.

    Self-Care and Recovery

    Self-Care and recovery resources including an Introduction to Lifestyle Change, Nutrition and Breast Cancer, Hydration: Water and Health, Meditation and more.

    Breast Cancer Glossary

    Check out our comprehensive Glossary of Breast Cancer terminology, which includes definitions of everything from AC chemotherapy to peripheral neuropathy.

    Breast Cancer Risk Factors

    Click now to find a summary of the factors that increase risk for developing breast cancer, including both factors that we cannot change and those we can.

    Basic Facts About Breast Health

    Learn basic facts about breast health, including the development of breast cancer, its types and stages and guidelines from the American Cancer Society.

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    UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals
    UCSF Benioff Children's Hospitals

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    UCSF Help Center

    (888) 689-8273
    [email protected]

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