Introduction
New York City, a global hub of healthcare excellence, offers a wide range of breast - related services through its hospitals. Whether it's promoting breastfeeding, conducting breast cancer screening and treatment, or providing comprehensive breast surgical care, these institutions play a crucial role in women's health. In this article, we will explore the numerous advantages of breast - making hospitals in New York City by delving into their various initiatives, services, and the positive impact they have on patients and the community.
Promotion of Breastfeeding in NYC Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals' Breastfeeding Week
The New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) is actively involved in promoting breastfeeding. During World Breastfeeding Week (August 1 - 7, 2025), HHC hospitals across the city host a variety of public education events. These events include the distribution of educational materials on breastfeeding and information about available resources. Some hospitals even offer giveaways, such as a child's car seat at Bellevue Hospital Center, which participants can win through a raffle.
Breastfeeding in the early months and years of a child's life is extremely beneficial. It provides infants with the most complete nutrition possible, as human milk contains the optimal mix of nutrients and antibodies. For mothers, breastfeeding reduces the risk of breast and ovarian cancer, anemia, and osteoporosis. It also helps the body recover from pregnancy and labor and burns about 500 calories a day. Additionally, families can save money as breast milk is free, and it reduces healthcare costs related to caring for sick children.
Here is a list of some HHC hospitals and their breastfeeding week events:
- Bellevue Hospital Center: Wednesday, August 3 from 10 am - 2 pm in the atrium lobby
- Coney Island Hospital: Tuesday, August 2 at 8 am, a lecture in the auditorium; Wednesday, August 3 from 10 am - 2 pm, a fair in the courtyard at the ocean parkway entrance
- Elmhurst Hospital Center: Wednesday, August 3 from 10 am - 3 pm in the lobby of the H building
Policy - Driven Support for Breastfeeding
In New York State, efforts have been made to improve hospital breastfeeding policies. The New York State Department of Health developed a model hospital breastfeeding policy in late 2010 and finalized it in February 2011. This policy is based on state hospital regulations and legislation, as well as recommendations from expert groups such as the Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine, Baby Friendly USA, Inc., and the United States Breastfeeding Committee.
A review of 139 New York State hospitals' breastfeeding policies in 2009 found that on average, approximately half (19/32) of the components required under New York State hospital regulations were included. The implementation of the model policy aims to better promote, support, and protect breastfeeding. The New York State Prevention Agenda for 2013 - 2017 focuses on increasing the proportion of babies who are breastfed by improving exclusivity and reducing disparities in breastfeeding rates. Hospitals are required to have written policies ensuring that breastfed infants only receive supplemental feedings if medically indicated and to restrict the distribution of infant formula promotional materials.
Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention
Updated Screening Guidelines in NYC Health + Hospitals
NYC Health + Hospitals is committed to promoting breast health, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In 2016, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force released updated guidelines for breast cancer screening, which are being implemented across the NYC Health + Hospitals system. The guidelines recommend that women aged 50 to 74 should have a mammogram every two years. Women aged 40 to 49 and those 75 and older should discuss with their doctors whether to have a mammogram.
Dr. Dave Chokshi, the chief population health officer of One City Health, a subsidiary of NYC Health + Hospitals, notes that earlier guidelines suggested mammograms for all women over 40, but research shows that mammograms are most effective for women aged 50 to 74 when considering the balance of benefits and harms. Harms of mammograms include false - positive diagnoses and unnecessary biopsies. However, mammograms are still an important tool for early detection of breast cancer, which can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
May Mammogram Education Events
In May, HHC hospitals and health centers host special mammogram education events to promote breast cancer prevention, screening, and early detection. These events provide breast cancer education, offer free goodies, and allow attendees to make a mammogram pledge on a pink ribbon wall. Most events also book on - site mammogram appointments. For example, at Jacobi Medical Center in the Bronx, events are held on May 6, 13, 20, and 27 from 9 am - 8:00 pm in the lobby of building 6.
HHC public hospitals and health centers offer affordable mammograms year - round. In the previous year, they performed more than 103,000 mammograms. For those without health insurance, bi - lingual financial counselors are available to determine if they qualify for financial assistance.
Comprehensive Breast Surgical Services
New York - Presbyterian Queens
New York - Presbyterian Queens is the only hospital in the borough to be named a “Breast Imaging Center of Excellence” by the American College of Radiology. This designation follows a rigorous review process to ensure compliance with nationally accepted standards, including accreditation in mammography, stereotactic breast biopsy, breast ultrasound, and ultrasound - guided breast biopsy.
The Flushing Comprehensive Breast Surgical Services at New York - Presbyterian Queens is dedicated to the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery of women with breast disease. The center offers a comfortable and modern environment, with private consultation and examination areas. A team of surgeons works in collaboration with medical and radiation oncologists, pathologists, radiologists, plastic surgeons, psychologists, and other healthcare professionals to provide the highest quality of care. Patients also have the assistance of a patient navigator, who helps them navigate the complex healthcare system, make appointments, answer questions, and provide emotional support throughout their treatment journey.
Mount Sinai Medical Center's Dubin Breast Center
The Dubin Breast Center at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City takes a holistic approach to breast cancer treatment. Dr. Eva Dubin, an internist who was diagnosed with early - stage breast cancer, recognized the need for more coordinated care. She helped raise $25 million, including her own personal donation, to establish the center. The staff at the center includes breast surgeons, radiation oncologists, oncologists, a nutritionist, a psychologist, and a massage therapist.
The Mount Sinai Health System, where the Dubin Breast Center is located, is one of the largest academic medical systems in the New York metro area. It has more than 43,000 employees, eight hospitals, over 400 outpatient practices, nearly 300 labs, a school of nursing, and a leading school of medicine and graduate education. The health system is consistently ranked highly by U.S. News & World Report's Best Hospitals, with high rankings in various specialties such as geriatrics, cardiology/heart surgery, and diabetes/endocrinology.
Expert Medical Staff and Resources
Breast - making hospitals in New York City boast a team of highly skilled and experienced medical professionals. Surgeons at institutions like New York - Presbyterian Queens and the Mount Sinai Medical Center are experts in their fields, using state - of - the - art techniques and technologies for breast - related procedures. They stay updated with the latest research and advancements in breast medicine, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.
In addition to surgical expertise, these hospitals have access to advanced diagnostic tools. Mammography, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and genetic testing are some of the resources available for accurate breast cancer diagnosis and screening. The presence of multiple specialists under one roof, such as oncologists, radiologists, and pathologists, allows for seamless collaboration and comprehensive treatment planning.
Patient - Centered Care
Patient - centered care is a hallmark of breast - making hospitals in New York City. The Flushing Comprehensive Breast Surgical Services at New York - Presbyterian Queens, for example, focuses on providing a relaxed and comfortable experience for patients. Visits are unhurried, and doctors take the time to address patients' medical findings, treatment options, and emotional needs. The patient navigator program further enhances the patient experience by providing support throughout the treatment process.
At the Dubin Breast Center in the Mount Sinai Medical Center, the holistic approach takes into account not only the physical aspects of breast cancer treatment but also the psychological and nutritional well - being of patients. The inclusion of a nutritionist and a psychologist on the team ensures that patients receive comprehensive care that addresses all aspects of their health.
Community Impact
The initiatives of breast - making hospitals in New York City have a significant impact on the community. By promoting breastfeeding, these hospitals contribute to the overall health of infants and mothers. Breastfeeding reduces the incidence of common childhood infections, asthma, diabetes, and other conditions, leading to healthier children and lower healthcare costs for families and the community.
In the area of breast cancer screening and prevention, the education events hosted by HHC hospitals increase awareness about breast cancer and encourage women to get regular mammograms. Early detection through mammography can save lives, and the availability of affordable mammograms and financial assistance ensures that more women in the community can access this important screening tool.
Moreover, the comprehensive breast surgical services offered by hospitals like New York - Presbyterian Queens and the Mount Sinai Medical Center provide high - quality treatment options for women with breast disease. This not only improves the health outcomes of individual patients but also has a positive impact on the local community by reducing the burden of breast cancer and related complications.
Conclusion
In conclusion, breast - making hospitals in New York City offer a wide range of advantages. From promoting breastfeeding and providing breastfeeding support to conducting breast cancer screening, prevention, and treatment, these hospitals are at the forefront of women's breast health. They have developed comprehensive policies, use advanced medical technologies, and have a team of expert medical staff who are committed to patient - centered care. The community also benefits greatly from their initiatives, as they contribute to the overall health and well - being of mothers and children and help in the fight against breast cancer.
If you or someone you know is in need of breast - related services, we encourage you to explore the options available at these New York City hospitals. Visit their websites or contact them directly to learn more about the services they offer and to schedule an appointment. Share this article with others to spread awareness about the importance of breast health and the excellent services provided by these hospitals.
