Comprehensive Breast Center

The Breast Surgery Service, under the leadership of Dr.Alison Estabrook, is a clinically and academically active program at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center. Care of the patient with breast disease is provided by an experienced, multidisciplinary group.

The Breast Service is well integrated across three Continuum campuses: St. Luke's, Roosevelt and BI Petrie. This is accomplished by weekly Breast Conferences, which are teleconferenced across these sites. During these meetings, patients are presented pre-and post-treatment, published papers and general topics are discussed. The meetings are attended by about 20 to 30 people: surgeons, mammographers, medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, geneticists, cancer support services, and other disciplines. These conferences are an excellent way of keeping up with new developments, and of making decisions regarding the implementation of new protocols, and the joining of national protocols.

During the last year, over 1200 patients with breast disease were operated on at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center, and over 1000 patients were seen in the St. Luke's Breast Clinic. Most patients diagnosed with breast cancer undergo lumpectomy and sentinel node biopsy as outpatients. Over 1000 patients have now undergone sentinel node biopsy alone. Of the patients who have mastectomy, most undergo breast reconstruction, usually with a TRAM flap or placement of a tissue expander..

The surgeons are proud to work with outstanding radiologists, pathologists, medical and radiation oncologists, as well as physician assistants, nurses, and others in caring for our patients. The overall team here at St. Luke's-Roosevelt is extremely strong both clinically and in clinical research.

The Comprehensive Breast Center at St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center is pleased to offer support programs for patients with breast cancer and their families. These specially run programs are designed to help patients learn about the disease, as well as treatment options and alternatives, and support treatment and therapies. Anyone is welcome to attend.