Cancer. It’s a word no woman wants to hear. But one in three women will be diagnosed with cancer in her lifetime. In Arizona, nearly 7,000 women are projected to be diagnosed with breast cancer and about 2,000 with a gynecologic cancer in 2024. Cancer, especially the types unique to women, may pose physical and emotional challenges. The disease may develop in your breasts or your reproductive organs, creating challenges and concerns about fertility, sexual health and self-image.
At City of Hope® Phoenix, we understand the nature of cancers that are unique to women. That’s why we created the Women’s Cancer Center at City of Hope Phoenix. Our experienced doctors and clinicians are singularly focused on screening, diagnosing and treating breast cancer and gynecologic cancers with a sense of urgency. Our supportive care services are designed to help address symptoms and side effects to help you have the strength and stamina to continue your treatment and the quality of life to help you continue everyday activities throughout your cancer journey.
Why wait? The Women’s Cancer Center can schedule your appointment in as little as 24 hours. Treatments may begin within 48 hours of your first visit, and some appointments may be available via telehealth using our videoconferencing technology.
Why wait? The Women’s Cancer Center can schedule your appointment in as little as 24 hours. Treatments may begin within 48 hours of your first visit, and some appointments may be available via telehealth using the City of Hope Anywhere videoconferencing technology.
Our Phoenix Women's Cancer Center Services
At the Women’s Cancer Center at City of Hope Phoenix, your multidisciplinary team of doctors and clinicians works together every day to deliver the care you need and the care you deserve. We offer cancer screenings, diagnostic evaluations, treatments plans, survivorship and supportive care services, all under one roof.
Some cancers in women may be caused by genetic mutations inherited from past generations. Some of these mutations are associated with inherited cancer syndromes that may increase your risk of developing specific cancers, including breast cancer.
The High-Risk Breast Cancer Program at City of Hope Phoenix offers genetic testing that may find inherited mutations, while our genetic counselors will help interpret test results and develop strategies designed to reduce your breast cancer risk.
An early and accurate diagnosis is often the key to developing a treatment plan designed to produce positive outcomes. At the Women’s Cancer Center at City of Hope Phoenix, we use sophisticated techniques and advanced diagnostic tools, such as 3D mammography, designed to give you and your oncologists the information needed to make informed decisions about your care.
Diagnostic tools used at the Women’s Cancer Center include a variety of imaging tests, including sentinel lymph node biopsy, mammography and lab tests that may help detect abnormal cells or tumor markers.
Treatment Options
Advances in cancer treatment have made multiple options available for women with breast cancer and gynecologic malignancies. The cancer experts at the Women’s Cancer Center at City of Hope Phoenix offer a wide variety of standard-of-care, minimally invasive and innovative treatment options, including:
- Surgical oncology
- Medical oncology
- Radiation oncology
- Gynecologic oncology
- Precision medicine
- Clinical trials
- Genetic testing
Supportive Care and Cancer Survivorship
The cancer journey doesn’t always end when treatments are over — especially for patients diagnosed with cancers unique to women. Breast cancer and gynecologic cancers and their treatments often have symptoms and side effects that may affect your sexual wellness and fertility, while also causing pain or mobility issues, changes to your physical appearance and impacts on your emotional and mental state.
Your care team at the Women’s Cancer Center at City of Hope Phoenix will collaborate with a team of supportive care clinicians to explore medical and supportive care options, including:
- Reconstructive surgery, including breast reconstruction and gynecologic reconstruction
- Fertility management, such as fertility-sparing surgery, egg preservation or hormone therapy
- Pain management, both medicinal and non-drug treatments
- Lymphedema management, including surgery, if necessary, and physical therapy
- Nutritional support, to help you maintain healthy weight and develop nutritional eating habits
- Oncology rehabilitation, to help restore mobility and relieve pain
- Behavioral health, offering mental health services to support you before, during and after treatment
- Survivorship support, to help manage long-term issues
- Spiritual support, with counseling and services for patients of faith
The Women’s Cancer Center at City of Hope Phoenix also offers DigniCap®, a therapy cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to help reduce hair loss during chemotherapy.
Cancer patients may experience changes to their sexual desire, function and relationships during their treatment journey. Patients with any type of cancer may experience some level of sexual dysfunction, but those with breast cancer or gynecologic cancers are especially at risk for symptoms and side effects that may affect their sexual health. At City of Hope Phoenix, our care teams include experts trained in helping patients address physical conditions, such as pelvic floor dysfunction, and psychological challenges that may impair their sexual wellness.
One Call Is All It Takes.
Meet our Phoenix Women's Cancer Center Team
“The environment and culture at City of Hope are conducive to healing,” says Dr. Vivek Iyer, Interventional Pain Management Specialist at City of Hope Phoenix.
For Dr. Cynthia Lynch, Medical Oncologist at City of Hope Phoenix, the range of services was proof of a commitment to exceptional care. “The array of options ensures that each patient and caregiver has access to whatever they need,” says Dr. Lynch.
Dr. Raquel Prati joined City of Hope Phoenix in July of 2017. Dr. Prati is Chief of Surgical Services and a Breast Surgeon, who performs oncoplastic surgery, including lumpectomies and mastectomies. When possible, she uses skin sparing and nipple sparing techniques, which allows for immediate
The integrative approach to cancer treatment is what attracted medical oncologist Dr. Sagun Shrestha to City of Hope.
“The dedication here not only to cancer medicine but also to quality cancer care is a rare gift,” says Dr. Marnee Spierer, a radiation oncologist and Chief of Staff and Chief of Radiation Oncology at City of Hope Phoenix. “I wanted to be part of the effort.”
Women's Cancer Center, City of Hope Phoenix
14200 W. Celebrate Life Way
Goodyear, AZ 85338
New patients: (877) 524-4673
Current patients: (623) 207-3000
