The Top 5 Rated Breast Cancer Surgeons in the U.S.

1. Dr. Elisa Port, MD, FACS

Affiliation: Mount Sinai Hospital, New York, NY

Position: Chief of Breast Surgery, Co-Director of the Dubin Breast Center

Why She’s Top-Rated:

Dr. Port is one of the most recognized names in breast oncology. Known for her surgical precision and holistic approach to patient care, she has helped thousands of women navigate breast cancer with confidence. She’s also an advocate for early detection and patient education.

Pioneer in sentinel lymph node biopsy

Frequently featured in Castle Connolly’s Top Doctors

Author of The New Generation Breast Cancer Book

2. Dr. Monica Morrow, MD

Affiliation: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY

Position: Chief of the Breast Surgery Service

Why She’s Top-Rated:

Dr. Morrow is internationally respected for her research and clinical expertise in breast cancer surgery. She specializes in breast-conserving surgery and has authored over 500 scientific papers, making her a leader in shaping national surgical guidelines.

Former president of the Society of Surgical Oncology

Focus on minimizing overtreatment and improving surgical outcomes

Recognized as one of America’s leading academic surgeons

3. Dr. Armando E. Giuliano, MD

Affiliation: Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA

Position: Executive Vice Chair, Department of Surgery

Why He’s Top-Rated:

Dr. Giuliano is known for changing the global standard of care through his research on lymph node management. His landmark clinical trials have helped reduce unnecessary surgeries for women with breast cancer.

Developed the sentinel lymph node biopsy technique

One of the most cited breast surgeons in medical literature

Advocate for less invasive treatment options

4. Dr. Susan Love, MD, MBA (In Memoriam)

Affiliation: Dr. Susan Love Foundation for Breast Cancer Research (Los Angeles, CA)

Legacy: Surgeon, researcher, and activist

Why She’s Top-Rated:

Though she passed in 2023, Dr. Susan Love remains a towering figure in breast cancer care. She was a trailblazer in breast surgery and a fierce advocate for women-centered research. Her work helped shift breast cancer treatment from aggressive surgeries to evidence-based, patient-focused care.

Author of Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book

Founder of the Love Research Army

Paved the way for patient advocacy in breast oncology

5. Dr. Shelley Hwang, MD, MPH

Affiliation: Duke Cancer Institute, Durham, NC

Position: Chief of Breast Surgery, Vice Chair of Research

Why She’s Top-Rated:

Dr. Hwang is a leader in breast cancer innovation, particularly in active surveillance for DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ) and the development of personalized surgical approaches. She blends advanced science with thoughtful patient care.

Focus on tailored treatments and minimally invasive surgery

Prominent voice in breast cancer risk reduction research

Frequent contributor to national cancer guidelines

Choosing the Right Breast Cancer Surgeon

When selecting a breast cancer surgeon, consider:

Board certification and experience in breast-specific oncology

Hospital affiliation with a comprehensive cancer center

Willingness to collaborate with oncologists, radiologists, and reconstructive surgeons

Patient communication style, compassion, and responsiveness

Access to clinical trials and advanced treatment options

Final Thoughts

Breast cancer is a deeply personal journey, and having the right surgeon by your side can make a world of difference. The professionals highlighted here are not only top-rated for their skill but also for their dedication to advancing care and supporting patients through every step of treatment.

If you or a loved one are facing a breast cancer diagnosis, consider consulting one of these nationally recognized experts—or use them as a benchmark when evaluating local care options.

The Importance of Multidisciplinary Care in Breast Cancer

Navigating a breast cancer diagnosis requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to ensure the best outcomes. This often involves a coordinated team of specialists, including surgeons, oncologists, radiologists, and nurses, all working together. Each team member brings unique expertise, allowing for tailored treatment plans that address various aspects of care. This collaborative strategy ensures that every angle of the patient's health is considered, leading to improved surgical outcomes and better overall cancer management. Patients benefit from this holistic care model, as it promotes communication and seamless transitions between different types of treatment.

Emerging Technologies in Breast Cancer Surgery

Advancements in surgical technology are transforming breast cancer treatment, making procedures less invasive and more effective. Techniques such as intraoperative imaging and robotic-assisted surgeries allow for greater precision, minimizing trauma and enhancing recovery. Innovations like these have led to reduced hospital stays and quicker returns to daily activities for patients. Furthermore, the incorporation of artificial intelligence in tumor analysis is aiding surgeons in making more informed decisions during operations. As these technologies continue to evolve, they promise to improve surgical outcomes and offer patients less painful, more efficient treatment options.

Patient Empowerment and Informed Decision-Making

Empowering patients to be active participants in their treatment journey is crucial in breast cancer care. Informed decision-making involves understanding the diagnosis, treatment options, and potential outcomes. Surgeons and healthcare providers play a key role in facilitating this by providing clear, compassionate communication and encouraging questions. Resources such as support groups, educational materials, and consultations with multiple specialists can further enhance a patient's knowledge. By fostering an environment that values patient input, healthcare providers can help ensure that treatment plans align with the patient's values and preferences, leading to more satisfactory outcomes.