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Make informed decisions about breast cancer
The Florina Rusi Muske Comprehensive Breast Center has all you need to determine your risk factors, plus a wide variety of treatments for breast cancer.

What we do

Breast cancer affects one in eight women and kills more women in the United States than any cancer except lung cancer. We know that some people are more at risk of developing breast cancer than others because of their personal history, family history or both. We can help you determine your risk factors so you can make informed health decisions, using genetic testing if needed.

Breast cancer treatment options depend on the size and location of the tumor, the results of lab tests (such as hormone receptor tests) and the stage or extent of the disease. We will also consider your age, general health, the size of your breasts and whether you are in menopause.

Treatments for breast cancer are either local or systemic. Local treatments remove, destroy or control the cancer cells in one certain area—surgery and radiation therapy are local treatments. Systemic treatments are used to destroy or control cancer cells throughout the entire body—chemotherapy and hormonal therapy are systemic treatments. A patient may have one treatment or a combination of different treatments.

Programs & services

  • Surgery and reconstruction
    • Breast conservation
    • Oncoplastic surgery
    • Nipple-sparing and skin-sparing mastectomies with immediate reconstruction
    • Flaps or natural tissue reconstruction
  • Medical oncology
    • Infusion center
    • Clinical trials
    • Social services and support groups
    • Nutrition
  • Radiation oncology
    • Interoperative radiation
    • Partial breast irradiation
    • External beam
  • Genetic counseling
    • Personal and family health history evaluation
    • Identification of risk factors
    • Testing based on your personal risk
  • Lymphedema care
    • Pre/post measurements
    • Massage therapy

What sets us apart

Advanced breast imaging

The Virginia Gruppuso Breast Imaging Center, on the first floor of the Florina Rusi-Marke Comprehensive Breast Center, offers a comfortable environment for state-of-the-art imaging and biopsy services.

We use advanced imaging tools that help detect and diagnose cancer early, including:

  • 3D breast imaging (tomosynthesis)
  • Breast MRI
  • Digital mammography
  • MRI-guided biopsy
  • Stereotactic or ultrasound-guided needle biopsy

Call (718) 226-1333 for more information or to schedule a mammography.

Support groups

Joining a breast cancer support group can be one of the best ways to cope with your diagnosis. By connecting with others who are going through the same experience as you, our support groups empower you to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

Call (718) 226-8800 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Breast cancer screening for uninsured

Cancer screenings save lives. If you need a breast cancer screening but are uninsured, underinsured or are unable to pay for it, the Cancer Services Program of Staten Island may be able to help. For those eligible, there are no out-of-pocket expenses to participate in the program with services including mammograms and clinical breast exams provided year-round.

To learn more about our Cancer Services Program, call (718) 226-6447.

High Risk Breast Cancer Program

Our High Risk Breast Cancer Program is for women who are at increased risk of developing breast cancer because of personal or family history. Our comprehensive early detection approach combines expert clinical assessment with the latest in imaging technology.

You will receive:

  • A detailed medical history evaluation and physical exam by a breast care specialist
  • Imaging studies, if needed
  • Formal genetic counseling and testing when appropriate
  • A personalized screening and management plan that may include education on healthy behaviors, medications or surgeries

You may be at high risk for breast cancer if you have:

  • A family history of breast cancer
  • A personal history of breast cancer
  • A history of lobular carcinoma in-situ (LCIS)

Know your risk. To learn more or to see if this program is right for you, call (718) 226-8800.

The Florina Cancer Center brings together the best resources for surgery, medical and radiation oncology, imaging, and clinical trials—so you can receive the coordinated care you need, right in your community.

Learn more

Northwell nurse Theresa is always diligent about annual mammograms. So when early-stage breast cancer was detected on her screening, her team at Staten Island University Hospital was able to treat it quickly.
Read more

Our experts

Mehran Habibi, MD, MBA

Chief - Breast Surgery - Western Region, Director - Breast Surgery - SIUH, Director - Int. Program Develop., Breast Surgery


Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Surgical Oncology

Karishma Kollipara, DO

Breast Surgery, General Surgery, Surgical Oncology

Yelena Azarova, PA

Physician Assistant Services

475 Seaview Avenue
Staten Island, New York 10305

Get directions

For a Northwell ambulance, call
(833) 259-CEMS (2367).