UPMC Washington expands breast care services
UPMC Washington has added breast surgery services, providing residents of Washington County and surrounding communities with greater access to comprehensive breast cancer care. The expanded services strengthen the area’s coordinated cancer care network that includes UPMC Washington and UPMC Hillman Cancer Center medical oncology and radiation oncology.
“Enhancing breast surgery services at UPMC Washington is an important step in providing more complete, coordinated cancer care locally,” said Brook Ward, president of UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene. “This expansion brings patients access to comprehensive breast cancer care close to home, building on the nationally ranked UPMC Hillman Cancer Center medical and radiation oncology services already embedded here in Washington.”
Patients can access a full, coordinated range of breast cancer services locally, including digital and 3D tomosynthesis mammography, breast ultrasound, MRI, stereotactic breast biopsy, sentinel lymph node identification, seed localization associated with breast surgery, bone densitometry and breast surgery. Patients also can participate in breast cancer support groups and an oncology-focused exercise program offered at the UPMC Wellness Center at the Wilfred R. Cameron Pavilion in Washington.
UPMC Washington recently welcomed Dr. Rebecca Edmonds, a board‑certified general surgeon with specialized training in surgical oncology and breast surgery. She earned her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine and completed both her general surgery residency and surgical oncology fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
Diagnostic imaging and radiation oncology services are supported by Dr. Giovanna Aracri, a breast radiologist who is board‑certified in diagnostic radiology and completed her training at Nova Southeastern University, Allegheny General Hospital and the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.
The clinical services are complemented by continued investment in the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Washington, which recently completed a $3.75 million renovation at the medical oncology center focused on enhancing patient comfort, privacy and efficiency. The renovation also expanded patient access with additional treatment chairs, private exam rooms and fast-track services for lab work and port flushes.
A second phase of investment is underway, including $6.5 million dedicated to radiation oncology, which will be used to purchase a new linear accelerator (Linac) expected to be operational in 2026, bringing enhanced treatment capabilities into the community. This expansion will further strengthen access to advanced radiation therapy services for Washington County and surrounding communities.
By expanding breast cancer services and investing in facilities and technology, UPMC continues to reduce barriers to care and improve outcomes for people across the region.