Breast Surgical Oncologist Joins Cedars-Sinai Cancer in Tarzana Skip to main content Close Select your preferred language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Menu Close Call 1-800-CEDARS-1 toggle search form Close Los Angeles, 20 April 2022 12:30 PM America/Los_Angeles Breast Surgical Oncologist Joins Cedars-Sinai Cancer in Tarzana Lauren DeStefano, MD, is a breast surgical oncologist at Cedars-Sinai Cancer in Tarzana. Photo by Cedars-Sinai. Lauren DeStefano, MD, Lauren DeStefano MD Brings Experience Enthusiasm and Compassion to New Post Breast surgical oncologist Lauren DeStefano, MD, recently joined the growing roster of cancer specialists at Cedars-Sinai Cancer in Tarzana. Cedars-Sinai Cancer is ranked among the country’s best by U.S. News & World Report. DeStefano comes to Cedars-Sinai Cancer from the University of Washington’s Department of Surgery and the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance. She earned her medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine, in Philadelphia, and completed her residency and served as chief resident at Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Darby, Pennsylvania. She completed her breast surgical oncology fellowship at Cedars-Sinai Cancer in 2020. “I enjoyed my time as a Cedars-Sinai fellow, even during the challenging pandemic period,” said DeStefano, a New Jersey native and mother of a 7-year-old son. “When I was approached about coming back here, I jumped at the opportunity. I’m excited to contribute to the great work the Cedars-Sinai breast cancer physicians and researchers provide, and look forward to what I can bring to the community at the outpatient center in Tarzana.” DeStefano primarily treats patients who have early-stage breast cancer that is curable with surgery and treatment. She became fascinated with surgery as a medical student, she said, and especially enjoys working with breast cancer patients because it allows her to build a close rapport with them that lasts throughout the entire cancer journey. “I like helping breast cancer patients decide which surgical options are best for them, and holding their hands before surgery, putting them at ease,” DeStefano said. “We weigh treatment options together, whether it is removing only the cancer and affected tissue in a breast or removing all of the breast tissue. I take their opinions and wishes strongly into account.” DeStefano said that her longtime interest in breast cancer care stems in part from her experience with her grandmother and mother, both of whom are breast cancer survivors. She remembers well the intensity of her mother’s experience, which gives her a unique perspective on the emotional and physical impacts of breast cancer. It also helps imbue her work with compassion and empathy, she added. While DeStefano will provide care at both the Cedars-Sinai main campus and Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center, much of her time is spent at the outpatient Cedars-Sinai Cancer location in Tarzana a short drive from the Tarzana hospital. The outpatient center offers comprehensive cancer care, including imaging, biopsies, surgery, radiation and other treatments, all in one location and close to where patients work and live, she said. "Dr. DeStefano is a key addition to our faculty," said Dan Theodorescu, MD, PhD, director of Cedars-Sinai Cancer. "Her clinical expertise will greatly contribute to the growth of our nationally recognized breast program and our BRCA Center of Excellence.” Learn more about breast cancer at the Cedars-Sinai Blog: What’s My Breast Cancer Risk? Related Stories RSS feed - Related Stories (opens in new window) View all headlines - Related Stories HealthDay Black Women Less Likely to Get Laparoscopic Fibroid Surgeries October 07, 2022 09:00 AM America/Los_Angeles HealthDay recently interviewed Rebecca J. Schneyer, MD, a resident in the Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Program at Cedars-Sinai, about a study she led that found Black and Hispanic women were less likely than white women to receive minimally … Read more KCRW Want New Omicron Booster Wait at Least 2 Months After Last Shot October 06, 2022 09:00 AM America/Los_Angeles KCRW program Press Play recently featured Rita Shane, PharmD, vice president and chief pharmacy officer at Cedars-Sinai, discussing who qualifies for the updated COVID-19 booster and how long patients must wait before getting the shot.The Centers … Read more ABC 7 Spider-Man Swings by 4-Year-Old Leukemia Patient s Birthday Party at Cedars-Sinai September 30, 2022 09:00 AM America/Los_Angeles ABC 7 recently profiled Cedars-Sinai patient Jabari Henley, who celebrated his fourth birthday with a special superhero at Guerin Children's newly opened inpatient facility.The Lifedriven Foundation helped throw Henley a surprise party in the Guerin … Read more Show previous items Show next items Contact the Media Team Email: [email protected] Contact Share this release Breast Surgical Oncologist Joins Cedars-Sinai Cancer in Tarzana Share on: Twitter Share on: Facebook Share on: LinkedIn Search Our Newsroom Social media Visit our Facebook page (opens in new window) Follow us on Twitter (opens in new window) Visit our Youtube profile (opens in new window) (opens in new window) Latest news 07 Oct 2022 - HealthDay Black Women Less Likely to Get Laparoscopic Fibroid Surgeries 07 Oct 2022 - Faculty Publications: Sept. 29-Oct. 6 07 Oct 2022 - Fine-Tuning Organ-Chip Technology 06 Oct 2022 - KCRW Want New Omicron Booster Wait at Least 2 Months After Last Shot 05 Oct 2022 - Cedars-Sinai Schedules Free Flu Vaccine Clinics 04 Oct 2022 - Cedars-Sinai Showcases Hispanic and Latinx Art Newsroom Home