Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, US - video

Why Choose Dana-Farber

Each year, thousands of patients from around the world come to Dana-Farber for their cancer care. Here are some reasons why:

Our culture of care and research benefits patients

Ever since Sidney Farber, MD, pioneered chemical therapies to treat children with leukemia in 1947, Dana-Farber has forged a groundbreaking path: 70+ years of research discovery and innovation have revolutionized cancer diagnosis and treatment, for the benefit of all our patients, adult and pediatric. Our equal emphasis on patient care and research means that our leading-edge research is informed by patient care – and our patient care relies on leading-edge research.

We focus exclusively on cancer and related diseases

All our clinicians – radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists and nursing staff – have deep experience treating your particular type of cancer. Our multidisciplinary team approach to cancer care ensures that you will receive the combination of treatments that is best for you. We partner with two of the world’s highest-ranked hospitals – Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital – to provide complete and integrated care for our adult patients and pediatric patients.

Our patients and families come first

Dana-Farber founder Sidney Farber, MD, pioneered the concept of patient-centered care, in which patients are seen not only by physicians and nurses, but also by specialists in other areas of cancer care, such as social work, nutrition, integrative therapies, and many others. Today, Dana-Farber’s wide range of patient and family support services help our patients to move through their cancer experiences. And involving patients and their families in care decisions is standard practice across our Institute.

A new model for cancer care

Rising 14 stories above Brookline Avenue, the Yawkey Center for Cancer Care embodies one of the hallmarks of Dana-Farber: an unwavering commitment to innovation and discovery, and compassionate care. Created with guidance from many of our patients and families, it was built to advance clinical care, optimize patient safety, enhance the patient experience, and provide a welcome and nurturing environment.

The Yawkey Center adds 275,000 square feet of clinical and support space and is designed to accommodate more than 100 exam rooms, more than 150 infusion spaces, and 20 consultation rooms.

The center’s design was built to foster collaboration between researchers and clinicians; treatment centers are connected by bridges to their related research laboratories in the Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Research Laboratories Building. The Yawkey Center is home to an expanded Clinical Research Center where patients have access to a state-of-the-art facility dedicated solely to conducting novel anti-cancer drug trials.

The building is also connected to other Dana-Farber buildings, and to our clinical partners, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Boston Children’s Hospital – providing patients with seamless care coordination.

Named to honor the late Tom and Jean Yawkey in thanks to their foundation’s leadership support, the center signifies Dana-Farber’s personalized and compassionate cancer care that is guided by laboratory research, enhanced by sophisticated technology, and provided with concern for each patient’s emotional well-being.

Preparing for Your First Appointment 

Whether preparing for your own appointment, or assisting a child or adult loved one to prepare, here are some general tips to help your first appointment go smoothly.

Review your patient packet. Before your first visit, you will have a letter and/or packet of information from your new patient coordinator, explaining where to go and what to bring. Please read this information carefully. For adult patients, this will include a Checklist that we recommend that you review and complete before your first appointment.

Obtain approval from your insurance company. If the patient’s visit will be paid for by health insurance, you may need approval ahead of time. Please contact your insurance company to make sure any necessary documents are in place. If you do not have insurance or have questions, please call our financial counselors at 617-632-3455.

Gather any necessary items. Many patients are surprised by the amount of preparation needed for the first appointment. Cancer is a complex illness, and every case is different; it's important for us to have as much information about your case as possible. In some cases, you will be asked to bring pathology slides, medical records, or radiology films to your first appointment. In other cases, you will be asked to send them in advance.

Fill out paperwork ahead of time. You may have received several documents to fill out, such as a medication list, patient history form, or questionnaire about your illness.

Be sure to complete them and bring them with you.

Know where you’re going. Review maps and directions so you will feel confident about your journey, especially if your destination is unfamiliar. You can find information about places to eat, places to stay, driving directions and parking details in our Planning a Visit section.

Think about the questions you want to ask. Some people want to know everything about their diagnosis, while others just want to know the basic facts. Read tips for talking with your doctor about your treatment.

Places to Stay near Dana-Farber

When contacting hotels or inns, please ask about medical discounts and mention that you are a Dana-Farber patient. All prices and medical rates are subject to change.
View a printable list of all places to stay near Dana-Farber

Need assistance finding a place to stay?

The Concierge Services team can provide information on, and help in making, short-term housing arrangements. Call them at 617-632-3750.

Hope Lodge

The AstraZeneca Hope Lodge Center in Boston is a program of the American Cancer Society that offers a safe, supportive, and self-sufficient home away from home for those in active outpatient cancer treatment. Learn about the referral process at Hope Lodge Center.

How to Contact Us

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
450 Brookline Avenue,
Boston, MA 02215

Call us: 617-632-3000

Our Online Second Opinion program lets adult patients from all over the world receive expert second opinions from Dana-Farber oncologists without leaving home.

To refer an adult patient: 877-441-3324
To refer a pediatric patient: 888-733-4662
Page operator: 617-632-3352
TTY/TDD: 857-215-0112

Main campus address:

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

450 Brookline Ave.
Boston, MA 02215-5450

Directions: 617-632-3400

Non-English Speakers

Spanish-speakers: 617-632-3673
All other languages: 617-632-6366
Gift phone number: 800-52-JIMMY (54669)

Address for gifts:

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

P.O. Box 849168
Boston, MA 02284-9168

Analytical reviews and oncology news by K. Mokanov: clinical pharmacist and professional medical translator