Hoag Sets New Global Standard in Breast Cancer Surgery

NEWPORT BEACH, CA – February 11, 2026 – In a move that establishes a new global benchmark for breast cancer treatment, Hoag has been named the world's first Center of Excellence in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery. The prestigious designation, awarded by the Surgical Review Corporation (SRC), recognizes the Southern California healthcare system's nearly two-decade-long commitment to pioneering an approach that integrates the precision of cancer surgery with the artistry of plastic surgery.

Oncoplastic surgery represents a paradigm shift in breast cancer care. It moves beyond the traditional dichotomy of lumpectomy or mastectomy by offering a single-procedure solution that removes the cancerous tumor while simultaneously reshaping and preserving the breast. This advanced technique minimizes the physical and emotional scars of cancer treatment, offering patients superior cosmetic outcomes and reducing the need for subsequent reconstructive surgeries.

The SRC, a nonprofit patient safety organization, grants its Center of Excellence designations only after a rigorous evaluation of a facility's surgical quality, patient safety standards, and program-wide commitment to best practices. Hoag's recognition as the inaugural center for this specific specialty validates its long-term investment in developing a comprehensive, patient-focused program.

A New Benchmark for Patient-Centered Care

The designation is more than an accolade; it signifies a new standard of care that places patient quality of life on equal footing with oncological efficacy. For women facing a breast cancer diagnosis, the treatment path can be a disorienting experience filled with difficult choices. Oncoplastic surgery provides a powerful alternative that can restore a sense of control and wholeness.

"This recognition reflects Hoag's long-standing leadership in oncoplastic surgery and its ongoing commitment to advancing breast cancer care through innovation, collaboration, and exceptional patient care," said Nirav Savalia, M.D., Medical Director of Oncoplastic & Aesthetic Breast Surgery at Hoag. He noted that the designation has the potential to inspire other institutions to adopt this vital option. "The Center of Excellence designation not only recognizes Hoag's quality of care but also has the potential to inspire other institutions to expand access to this important option for women."

This patient-first philosophy is central to the program's success. The approach addresses both the disease and the person, acknowledging the profound psychological impact that changes in body image can have during and after treatment.

"Breast cancer is an overwhelming and often disorienting experience," explained Sadia Khan, D.O., Medical Director of Breast Surgical Oncology at Hoag. "Oncoplastic surgery gives women more options and a greater sense of control at a time when so much feels uncertain. Being recognized as a Center of Excellence affirms Hoag's commitment to delivering care that is both oncologically rigorous and deeply patient-centered."

Beyond Survival: The Human Impact of Oncoplastic Surgery

While the primary goal of any cancer treatment is survival, the quality of that survival is increasingly a focus of modern medicine. Research and patient testimonials consistently show that oncoplastic breast surgery (OBS) delivers significant benefits in this area. Studies published in leading medical journals, such as Annals of Surgical Oncology, have found that patients undergoing OBS report higher satisfaction with their breast appearance, psychosocial well-being, and overall quality of life compared to those who undergo traditional breast-conserving surgery or mastectomy.

The procedure's oncological safety is well-established, with long-term data showing local recurrence and survival rates comparable to conventional methods. A key advantage of OBS is that it allows surgeons to perform wider excisions to achieve clear margins around a tumor, which can reduce the rate of re-excision—a common and stressful occurrence for patients undergoing standard lumpectomies. This makes breast conservation a viable option for women with larger tumors or less favorable tumor-to-breast ratios who might otherwise have been advised to undergo a full mastectomy.

By preserving the natural breast tissue, shape, and often sensation, the procedure helps women maintain their sense of self. This focus on aesthetic and functional outcomes is a critical component of holistic healing, helping patients move forward with their lives with confidence and dignity.

Forging the Future: Training and Global Influence

Hoag's leadership extends beyond its own operating rooms. In 2024, the institution further solidified its role as a national training hub by establishing the Muzzy Family Endowed Fellowship in Oncoplastic Breast Surgery. It is the first and only dedicated, freestanding fellowship of its kind in the United States, offering an intensive two-year program focused exclusively on this subspecialty.

This unique fellowship, co-directed by Dr. Savalia and Dr. Khan, is designed to cultivate the next generation of experts who can disseminate these advanced techniques across the country. While other top-tier cancer centers like MD Anderson and the Mayo Clinic incorporate oncoplastic principles into their broader surgical oncology fellowships, Hoag's dedicated program provides a depth of focus that is unparalleled. This commitment to education serves as a blueprint for how to standardize and scale this complex, multidisciplinary skill set.

By creating a formal training pathway, Hoag is helping to define oncoplastic surgery as a distinct specialty, ensuring that future surgeons are equipped with the dual expertise required to perform these procedures at the highest level. The Center of Excellence designation from SRC, combined with this unique fellowship, positions Hoag not just as a provider of elite care, but as a thought leader actively shaping the future of breast cancer treatment worldwide. The new accreditation creates a model that other leading institutions can now follow, potentially leading to a global network of accredited centers that can offer this transformative care to more women, regardless of their location.