The Women’s Cancer Center at City of Hope® Chicago provides women in Illinois, Wisconsin and the surrounding areas with leading-edge treatment, diagnosis and screening options for breast cancer and gynecologic cancers.
Our expert clinicians and supportive care staff recognize the unique physical and mental health challenges women face during and after cancer treatment. We work with each patient to help her understand her specific cancer diagnosis, then work to craft an effective, individualized treatment plan that may incorporate conventional approaches as well as innovative therapies and clinical trials, powered by our world-renowned, National Cancer Institute® (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center in Southern California. We also offer support for issues of fertility, sexual health and body image.
Cancer Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment for Women
As a patient at the Women’s Cancer Center, you will have the support of specialists including surgeons, radiation therapy experts, medical oncologists and supportive care staff. Surrounding you with a multidisciplinary care team allows us to provide the person-centered support every woman needs during her cancer journey. Our goal is to treat each patient as an individual, not a diagnosis, and to design a treatment plan that is effective and personalized to you.
What Sets Our Chicago Women’s Cancer Program Apart?
The Women’s Cancer Center team is committed to compassionate care, supported by advanced treatment and screening options. Some of the approaches we offer at City of Hope Chicago include:
Appointments in as little as 24 hours for some patients
Our High-Risk Breast Cancer Screening Program, which offers 3D mammography (breast tomosynthesis), the most advanced and effective form of mammogram technology available today, provided by our expert Chicago breast cancer care team
Genomic and genetic testing, which can help your care team determine how to target your cancer on a cellular level
Advanced surgery options for breast cancer, including minimally invasive and nipple-sparing procedures, as well as the latest reconstructive and plastic surgery techniques for rebuilding the shape and appearance of the breast
Precision medicine options, such as immunotherapy and hormone therapy, designed to treat your cancer based on the results of genomic and other tests
Supportive care experts in Chicago who can discuss fertility-sparing treatment options with you and help manage common side physical and emotional effects of undergoing cancer treatment
Sexual wellness support, helping you address any physical or emotional issues related to sexual function or desire during and after treatment
Access to clinical trials investigating new potential treatments for breast cancer
Magnet®-designated nurse navigators, who will answer your questions and help you navigate your cancer treatment from day one
Our Chicago Women’s Cancer Experts
Led by nationally recognized experts in breast cancer, gynecologic cancers and reconstructive surgery, the Women’s Cancer Center at City of Hope Chicago provides world-class, compassionate care to women across our region. Our team has the clinical and surgical expertise you need, as well as the compassionate approach that you want when receiving treatment with City of Hope. Meet our women’s cancer team:
Carolyn Bhakta, M.D., is an oncoplastic breast surgeon at City of Hope Chicago.
Dr. Buttin treats all gynecologic cancers and specializes in minimally invasive surgical techniques, including robotic surgery. She has performed over 1,500 robotic cases to date.
Laura C. Farrington, D.O., is a medical oncologist at City of Hope Chicago. After spending most of her childhood caring for relatives with cancer, she believes she was born to be an oncologist.
“I value the patient-empowered approach to care at City of Hope,” says Dr. Hatem Halabi, Chair of the Department of Surgery, City of Hope Atlanta, Chicago and Phoenix and a Surgical Oncologist who serves as Medical Director of robotic surgery at City of Hope Chicago hospital. “Patients should be
“The unique environment here facilitates a team approach to care,” says Daniel Liu, M.D., a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at City of Hope Chicago. “When everyone is united to achieve a common goal, the results can be extremely powerful.”
As a plastic and reconstructive surgeon at City of Hope Chicago, Aaron Pelletier, M.D., performs complex procedures that help improve appearance, reduce scarring and disfigurement, as well as rebuild or replace removed or injured body parts that may occur as a result of cancer and its treatment. He
Dr. Poosarla is the Director of Medical Oncology for the Breast Program, where she specializes in treating breast cancer with leading-edge therapies.
Board certified in both plastic/reconstructive surgery and acupuncture, Stephen P. Ray, M.D., is experienced in oncology surgery of the breast, skin and soft tissues, including head and neck surgery. He has played a key role in developing the breast surgery team at City of Hope Chicago, where he
Karan Shah, M.D., M.B.A., specializes in treating women diagnosed with breast cancer using innovative and targeted radiation therapy techniques.
Karen Smorowski, M.D., radiation oncologist at City of Hope Chicago, knew she wanted to be an oncologist since she was 7 years old. “My uncle was diagnosed with cancer,” she says, “and I remember thinking even then that there had to be a better way to treat people with cancer.”
City of Hope Chicago
Women's Cancer Center
2520 Elisha Ave.
Zion, IL 60099
New patients: (877) 524-4673
Existing patients: (847) 510-2822
