Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, the world's oldest and largest private cancer center, has devoted more than 130 years to exceptional patient care, innovative research, and outstanding educational programs. Today, we are one of 45 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers, with state-of-the-art science flourishing side by side with clinical studies and treatment. 

Location and Contact

Memorial Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital (Cancer Center)
1275 York Avenue (Between 67th and 68th Streets)
New York, NY 10065
T: (212) 639-2000 
Website: www.mskcc.org/locations/memorial-hospital

Memorial Sloan Kettering Pediatrics 
1275 York Avenue
9th Floor (Take the "B" elevators)
New York, NY 10065
T: (800) 525-2225
Website: www.mskcc.org/pediatrics

Helpful Phone Numbers

  • Appointments for New Patients: (800) 525-2225
  • Reach a Patient: 212-639-7081
  • Cards and gifts can be sent to: 
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
1275 York Avenue
New York, NY 10065

*Please include the patient's name and room number.
  • Visiting Hours:
    • Adult inpatients: 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
    • Pediatric inpatients: 8:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
    • Intensive Care Unit (ICU): 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
  • Request Medical Records: (646) 227-2089
  • Billing Questions: (646) 497-9176

Directions

Driving 

Flying

Airports

LaGuardia Airport 

Conveniently located eight miles from midtown Manhattan in the borough of Queens, New York, LaGuardia Airport serves millions of people each year.

Location & Contact
Queens, NY 11371
T: (718) 533-3400

John F. Kennedy International Airport 

JFK has been at the forefront of aviation since its first commercial flight in 1948.

Location & Contact
Queens, NY 11430
T: (718) 244-4444

Air Travel Assistance


For patients and families needing assistance with air travel to Memorial Sloan Kettering, we suggest the following resources:

Corporate Angel Network

The Corporate Angel Network, a volunteer organization, is available to help you with free long-distance air travel to or from the hospital. There is no financial need requirement.

T: (866) 328-1313

The Air Care Alliance

The Air Care Alliance lists many humanitarian air transport groups that provide free flights for patients with medical needs. This organization and its affiliates operate in most areas of the United States. Patients have no financial obligations.

T: (888) 260-9707

Air Charity Network

Air Charity Network coordinates flights across the continental United States as well as Alaska and Hawaii for patients or caregivers in need. Flights are available through independent member organizations in specific locations.

T: (877) 621-7177

Angel Flight, Inc.

The volunteers and pilots of Angel Flight, Inc. offer charitable flights to patients traveling primarily to or from the heartland region of the United States. Angel Flight can also coordinate flights out of their targeted areas with other aviation organizations.

T: (918) 749-8992

Angel Flight East

Angel Flight East organizes free air transportation for patients traveling in the Northeast, and for destinations beyond that, the nonprofit links up with other volunteer pilot organizations. Patients must submit a form to verify their financial needs.

T: (215) 358-1900

Patient Airlift Services (PALS)

Patient Airlift Services arranges free air transportation throughout the Northeast, from Virginia to Maine, Ohio to Massachusetts. Passengers need to be ambulatory and have a financial and/or compelling need. 
T: (631) 694-7257

Getting Around New York City

Ground Transportation

You can also take the subway or bus to Memorial Sloan Kettering. Note that service may vary depending on the day and time. Subways require fare cards (Metrocards) or tokens; buses require fare cards, tokens, or exact change (in coins).

By Subway

You will need a subway fare card (Metrocard) for travel. Service can vary depending on the day and time.

The subway stops nearest to Memorial Hospital, the Enid A. Haupt Pavilion, the Radiation Oncology Center, and the Evelyn H. Lauder and Memorial Sloan Kettering Imaging Center are several blocks away:

  • The F stops at 63rd Street and Lexington Avenue
  • The 6 stops at 68th Street and Lexington Avenue
  • The Q stops at 57th Street and Seventh Avenue
  • The N, R, 4, 5, and 6 stop at 59th Street and Lexington Avenue

There are two subway stops near the Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion:

  • The 6 stops at 51st Street and Lexington Avenue
  • The E and M stop at Lexington Avenue and 53rd Street

By Bus

You will need a fare card (Metrocard) or exact change (in coins) for travel. Service can vary depending on the day and time.

To reach Memorial Hospital, the Enid A. Haupt Pavilion, the Radiation Oncology Center, or the Evelyn H. Lauder and Memorial Sloan Kettering Imaging Center by bus:

  • The M15 runs uptown (north) on First Avenue and downtown (south) on Second Avenue. The uptown M15 bus stops at 67th Street, on First Avenue. The downtown M15 bus stops at 68th Street, on Second Avenue. The regular bus (not "limited") stops every two blocks, including stops at 64th and 66th Streets.
  • The M101, M102, M103 run uptown on Third Avenue, stopping at 63rd and 65th Streets, and downtown on Lexington Avenue, stopping at 62nd and 65th Streets.
  • The M30 runs crosstown starting at Eighth Avenue and 57th Street. It proceeds east on 57th Street to Madison Avenue, turns north on Madison to 72nd Street, and turns east on 72nd Street to York Avenue. The return route goes west on 72nd Street, south on Fifth Avenue, and west on 57th Street to Eighth Avenue.
  • The M31 runs uptown and downtown on York Avenue and crosstown to 57th Street. It begins at East 92nd Street and York Avenue, heads south on York Avenue to 57th Street, turns west on 57th Street to Eleventh Avenue, and proceeds south on Eleventh Avenue to 54th Street. It returns via 54th Street, goes north on Tenth Avenue, east on 57th Street, and north on Sutton Place, which becomes York Avenue. Then it proceeds up York Avenue and turns west onto 91st Street to First Avenue. This bus stops on York at 61st, 64th, and 67th Streets.
  • The M66 runs crosstown, beginning at West End Avenue and West 65th Street. It continues through Central Park and heads east before turning onto Madison Avenue. It then proceeds north on Madison Avenue to East 68th Street, then turns east onto 68th Street to York Avenue. The return route goes west on 67th Street, south on Fifth Avenue, then west on 66th Street.

To reach the Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion by bus:

  • The M101, M102, M103 run uptown on Third Avenue and downtown on Lexington Avenue, stopping at 53rd Street.
  • The M50 and M27 run crosstown on 49th Street (westbound) and 50th Street (eastbound) stopping at Third Avenue.

Parking

Street Parking

Street parking in Manhattan is extremely limited, so you may find it more convenient to park in Memorial Sloan Kettering's garage or in a commercial garage. You can also take public transportation to Memorial Sloan Kettering.

Parking at the Hospital

Parking at Memorial Hospital, Enid A. Haupt Pavilion, Sidney Kimmel Center for Prostate and Urologic Cancers, or the Radiation Oncology Center

Memorial Sloan Kettering's garage is located on East 66th Street between First and York Avenues. To reach the MSK garage, follow York Avenue south and turn right onto East 66th Street. The garage is located about a quarter of a block from the corner, on the right (north) side of 66th Street. It is both economical and convenient, as it is connected to the hospital by a tunnel.

Please note that the garage may not be accessible from York Avenue northbound during peak hours. The garage remains open 24/7 even when the facility has reached capacity to accommodate patients and visitors; arriving vehicles will be accommodated as soon as a space becomes available. Our practice of never closing often results in a queue forming onto York Avenue southbound between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm; a parking staff member communicates estimated wait time and alternate parking garages in the neighborhood during these periods.

You can also park in one of several nearby commercial garages:

  • 67th Street between First and York Avenues, on the left (south) side of the street
  • 69th Street between First and Second Avenues (four garages available)
  • 65th Street between First and Second Avenues (three garages available)

Parking at Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion

In this area, on-street parking is generally prohibited, except on Sundays. One nearby garage offers discounted parking to patients:

  • Bristol Garage, 300 East 56th Street, between First and Second Avenues

To receive the discount, patients and visitors must have their parking ticket validated at the concierge desk in the Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion. Shuttle service is provided from Bristol Garage to the Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion every 20 minutes.

Several additional parking garages are also located nearby:

  • 53rd Street between Second and Third Avenues (two garages available)
  • 54th Street between Second and Third Avenues

Parking at the 64th Street Outpatient Center, Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Imaging Center

This area has limited metered street parking on 66th Street and on Second Avenue. The nearest parking garages are:

  • Central Parking, 222 East 65th Street, between Second and Third Avenues
  • ICON Parking, 249 East 65th Street, between Second and Third Avenues
  • LAZ Parking, 360 East 65th Street, between First and Second Avenues

To receive discounts at these garages, patients and visitors should request parking validation stamps from the concierge desk staff at the Evelyn H. Lauder Breast Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Imaging Center.

Shuttle

We don't want you to worry about traveling between appointments. Our free patient shuttle service -- also known as the jitney -- will take you quickly and comfortably to various MSK facilities.

The shuttles take MSK patients and their caregivers between Memorial Hospital at 1275 York Avenue and a number of our Manhattan locations, which are listed below.

Check in at the front desk of any of the buildings listed below for a full schedule. Our team can also let you know if the shuttle is delayed due to traffic or weather.

Lodging

Lodging Options

Ronald McDonald House

Ronald McDonald House, an independent facility close to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, provides temporary housing at very reduced rates to families of children and young adults who are undergoing medical treatment. The facility also provides kitchens and recreational areas for families to enjoy.  The social worker on your child's medical team can provide more information and assist in making arrangements for the Ronald McDonald House or other accommodations, such as local hotels or rental apartments. If you need to book accommodations for your first appointment at Memorial Sloan Kettering, your physician's office can put you in contact with the social worker who will be part of your child's medical team.

Location & Contact
405 E 73rd St.
New York, NY 10021
T: (212) 639-0100

Affinia Gardens

Affinia Gardens is an Upper East Side suite-hotel that is a ten-minute walk to Memorial Sloan Kettering's 67th Street facilities. All of the spacious rooms feature the latest technology, including flat screen TVs and wireless Internet access. Brand-new carpeting, queen-size sofa beds, and lighting were recently installed to make you feel right at home. All suites feature fully equipped kitchens, cable TV, daily housekeeping, use of a 24-hour fitness center, and complimentary tea in the Serenity Lounge. When making a reservation, please request the Memorial Sloan Kettering rates.

Location & Contact
215 East 64th St. (Between Second and Third Avenues)
New York, NY 10065
T: (866) 233-4642

The Bentley

The Bentley is and Upper East Side hotel located four blocks from Memorial Sloan Kettering's main campus facilities. It has 97 guestrooms and suites, all featuring complimentary wireless Internet access and complimentary fitness center access. The hotel also has a rooftop bar and restaurant as well as a Lobby Bar and Caf?. To make a reservation, please request the Memorial Sloan Kettering rate.

Location & Contact
500 East 62nd St. (at York Avenue)
New York, NY 10065
T: (888) 664-6835

Courtyard New York Manhattan/Midtown East

Courtyard New York Manhattan/Midtown East is a newly renovated hotel located in the same building as our Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion at 160 East 53rd Street. Memorial Sloan Kettering offers shuttle service from the Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion to our main campus at 1275 York Avenue, running every 20 minutes, Monday to Friday, 7:30 AM to 6:20 PM. The hotel offers some of the largest rooms in New York City, beginning at 420 square feet, with complimentary Internet access and refrigerators in every room. The Bistro serves a variety of refreshing breakfast options and drinks with Starbucks(R) coffee. The hotel is steps from subway transportation.

Location & Contact
866 Third Ave
(Between 52nd and 53rd Streets)
New York, NY 10022
T: (800)321-2211

Courtyard by Marriott-Upper East Side (UES)

The Courtyard Manhattan/Upper East Side is located on 92nd Street between Friday and York Avenues, a short five-minute car ride or 15-minute walk to Memorial Sloan Kettering's main campus facilities at 1275 York Avenue. The hotel's rooms and suites offer modern yet comfortable amenities that include complimentary Wi-Fi access, microwaves, and refrigerators, as well as safes and other features. The hotel's public space offerings also include Wi-Fi access and, in the lower level, a world-class fitness center, sauna/steam room, whirlpool, and indoor swimming pool as well as on-site laundry facilities for guests on long-term stays. A shuttle service from the main campus at 1275 York Avenue to the Outpatient Pavilion on 53rd Street runs every 20 minutes, 7:30 AM to 6:20 PM, Monday through Friday.

Location & Contact
410 East 92nd St.
New York, NY 10128
T: (800) 321-2211

Fitzpatrick Manhattan

The Fitzpatrick Manhattan is located within a five-minute walk to Memorial Sloan Kettering's Rockefeller Outpatient Pavilion at 53rd Street and Third Avenue. A shuttle service from the Outpatient Pavilion to our main campus at 1275 York Avenue runs every 20 minutes, 7:30 AM to 6:20 PM, Monday through Friday. The Fitzpatrick's rooms feature complimentary Internet access and continental breakfast for two persons per room, per night. In addition, Memorial Sloan Kettering patients and their caregivers receive 20 percent off all food and beverages in the hotel restaurant.

Location & Contact
687 Lexington Ave (Between 56th and 57th Streets)
New York, NY 10022
T: (800) 367-7701
E: David Ferdinand at dferdinand@fitzpatrickhotel.com

Fitzpatrick Grand Central

The Fitzpatrick Grand Central Hotel is located next to Grand Central Terminal, putting its guests within easy reach of any part of Manhattan. The rooms feature complimentary Internet access and continental breakfast for two persons per room, per night, and 20 percent off all food and beverages in the hotel restaurant.

Location & Contact
141 East 44th St. (Between Lexington and Third Avenues)
New York, NY 10017
T: (800) 367-7701
E: David Ferdinand at dferdinand@fitzpatrickhotel.com

The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel

The Carlyle is a fixture of the Upper East Side, The Carlyle is located on the corner of 76th Street and Madison Avenue, a five-minute car ride or 15-minute walk to Memorial Sloan Kettering's main campus facilities. The hotel's rooms and suites offer aristocratic elegance and absolute comfort with a first-class combination of discretion and grace. Memorial Sloan Kettering patients and caregivers enjoy 24-hour room service, complimentary use of a 24-hour fitness studio, wireless Internet, and use of the house car, based upon availability, when departing the hotel.

Location & Contact
35 East 76th St. (corner of Madison Avenue)
New York, NY 10021
T: (800) 227-5737 / (212) 744-1600

The Kimberly Hotel

The Kimberly Hotel is a newly renovated luxury hotel and 2013 winner of best in the business class by Conde Nast and best in VIP services by Expedia, the Kimberly Hotel is located in the heart of midtown, two short blocks from the shuttle to Memorial Sloan Kettering's facilities. Known for impeccable service, attention to detail, oversize guest rooms, and suites with balconies -- some with living rooms offering sofa beds with Simmons mattresses -- the hotel is equipped with wet bars, microwaves, luxury amenities, elevated electronics available upon request, and a famous rooftop lounge, called Upstairs, that's open year-round for a full American breakfast and late-night dining.  Visit their famous American-fusion Opera House, Noir, and receive 20 percent off on menu items and two complimentary drinks per stay (open for lunch, dinner, and late-night dining).  Their Italian bistro is scheduled to open March 2014.  Enjoy access to any ten NY Health & Racquet Club locations, which offer extensive fitness classes, indoor pools, steam rooms, and saunas, or stay in-house at The Kimberly's new state-of-the-art fitness center, open 24 hours. Be sure to book their private yacht, sailing May through September.

Location & Contact
145 East 50th Street
(between Lexington and Third Avenues)
New York, NY 10022
T: (800) 683-0400

Your First Appointment

Your Memorial Sloan Kettering doctor will need to review any tests, procedures, or treatments that you have had. Please bring the following to your first appointment:

Pathology Slides from Any Biopsies or Surgical Procedures

These are glass slides that contain tissue samples from the tumor(s).

To obtain slides:

  • First, call the doctor and ask who has the slides. They may be at a hospital or a lab.
  • When you call the hospital or lab, ask for the slides and a copy of the written report.
  • If you had more than one biopsy or surgery, please be sure to get the slides and reports for each of these procedures.
  • If you need help, call the doctor who performed the biopsy or surgery. He or she may be able to get the slides for you.
  • In some cases, your Memorial Sloan Kettering doctor may ask that you send in the slides before your first appointment.

Radiology Tests

These are tests taken to produce images of the tumor(s). The images may be on disc or on film. Examples include x-rays, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, and bone scans.

To obtain radiology tests:

  • Call the hospital or radiology center where the images were taken.
  • Ask if the images are available on disc and if the Dicom format was used. If Dicom was used, ask for a disc that contains all the images that were taken. If Dicom was not used or the images are not available on disc, then ask for the actual films.
  • Also ask for copies of the written reports for each test.
  • If you need help, call the doctor who ordered the tests. He or she may be able to get these images for you.

Medical Summary

This is a description written by your doctor detailing your medical problems and the treatment you have received.

Please get medical summaries from your doctor(s) if:

  • You have started cancer treatment before coming to Memorial Sloan Kettering. Call the doctor who treated you and ask for a written summary or a copy of your records.
  • You are seeing a Memorial Sloan Kettering radiation oncologist and have ever received radiation therapy. Call the doctor who ordered the therapy and ask for copies of the simulation or port films.
  • You have ever seen a cardiologist or other doctor for a heart problem. In addition to the summary, ask for results from all recent tests you have had, including, for example, a stress test and echocardiogram.

Your Medication

Please be sure to bring the bottles of all medications you take, including those prescribed by doctors and those you buy over the counter. This should include bottles of any vitamins or herbal products you take.

The bottles should indicate the following information:

  • the name of each medicine
  • the dose you take
  • how often you take it

Insurance and Prescription Cards

Please bring the following cards with you to your first appointment:

  • Your insurance card. If you are covered by more than one insurer, please bring both cards.
  • Your prescription coverage or "pharmacy" card.
  • Your photo ID.

Other Ways to Prepare for Your Appointment

  • Write down any questions you may think of before your first visit. Bring these with you.
  • Bring paper and pencil so you can take notes during your appointment.
  • Arrange for a friend or family member to come with you. You will receive a lot of information that day. It is helpful to have someone else with you to listen and take notes.

Insurance

When you're coping with a cancer diagnosis, insurance may be the last thing you or your loved ones want to deal with, but it's important to understand your options. Our insurance specialists are here to help you make sense of your insurance and payment questions - whether you are considering coming to us as a new patient or you are already in our care.

Health Insurers Who Provide Coverage at MSK

Certain plans from the following insurance companies have relationships with us (and all of our doctors). Please review this list carefully. Call us if you have questions or need help understanding. Insurance companies offer many different types of plans, and some may not include us.

Even if you don't see your insurance plan listed here, or you don't have insurance, we encourage you to call us. There may be other ways we can help, for example, through our Finanical Assistance program.

Questions?

If your question is about insurance only, please call us at (646) 497-9176, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm ET (closed between 12:30PM-1:30PM). If your question involves insurance and a bill you received from us, please call us at (646) 227-3378, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm ET (closed between 12:30PM-1:30PM).

Services and Amenities

Gift Shop

The Gift Shop of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center carries an extensive selection of toiletries and clothing, as well as balloons, flowers, games, candies, jewelry, and plush toys.

We are pleased to offer you the opportunity to have a gift delivered to your friend or loved one who is in our care. Items from the Gift Shop are available for delivery to patients receiving care at Memorial Sloan Kettering's inpatient hospital, located at 1275 York Avenue.

About Our Merchandise

Flowers and candy are popular gift choices for adults. The Gift Shop receives fresh flowers and fruit baskets daily. The cost of in-stock seasonal flowers starts at $35; special-order floral arrangements start at $50. Artificial floral arrangements are also available for patients who cannot receive live flowers or prefer a more long-lasting option. Popular chocolate-dipped strawberry boxes are available in a half dozen and a dozen, respectively. Selections of Godiva and Dylan's Candy range in price from $15 to $50. Balloon bouquets are available as well.

For children there are balloons, games, and plush toys. Prices range from $20 to $100.

The Gift Shop does not carry latex balloons. We use only high-quality Mylar balloons. Flowers, plants, and food are restricted in some hospital units. If this is the case, we will suggest alternative gift options, including artificial floral arrangements.

The Gift Shop also offers a wide variety of MSK logo merchandise, Starbucks and Seattle's Best Coffees, gourmet grab-and-go foods, and snacks.

Visiting the Gift Shop

The Gift Shop, located at 1275 York Avenue, offers gourmet coffee, light meals, and healthy grab-and-go options, as well as the opportunity to browse in a relaxing environment.

Please note: Telephone orders for special items are best placed from Monday through Friday, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Hours of Operation:

  • Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
  • Holidays from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Purchase Gifts by Telephone

Gifts can be purchased by calling (212) 639-8035, Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and on weekends and holidays from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Eastern time. Your gift will be delivered free of charge. Orders will not be accepted after 3:00 p.m.; preorders are not permitted since patient circumstances could change.

Orders for patients should be placed after the patient has been assigned to a room. You may call the Patient Information desk at (212) 639-7081 to request a patient's room number. It is also important to find out at this time whether or not the patient is allowed to receive flowers. A short message can be sent with your gift, or if you prefer, the Gift Shop staff can select a card to express your sentiment.

The minimum order is $25. All major credit cards are accepted; all sales are final.

The Gift Shop will not be responsible for situations where early patient discharges occur after orders are placed.

Food Options

Cafeteria

The cafeteria offers a full range of food services, featuring salads, deli and grilled items, hot entrees, frozen desserts, and a variety of fresh fruit and beverages. The cafeteria is open daily to staff and visitors for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Hours are 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. during the week, and 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on weekends.

Cyber Cafe

The Cyber Cafe is located in the lobby of the 69th Street entrance of the Zuckerman Research Center. The caf? sells premade sandwiches, sushi, and snacks, and has a full coffee bar, including espressos and cappuccinos. The caf? is open from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Starbucks Kiosk

A Starbucks kiosk is located in the Howard lobby. It offers snacks and beverages from 6:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Vending Machines

Vending machines are located in the cafeteria, the main lobby of Memorial Hospital, and the alcove on the first floor of the Rockefeller Research Laboratories building. These machines are accessible 24 hours a day.

Restaurant Discounts

The following restaurants, cafes, and delicatessens in the neighborhood of our 1275 York Avenue and 66th Street facilities, offer a ten percent discount to Memorial Sloan Kettering patients and their families. Please show a Memorial Sloan Kettering ID or a document with the Memorial Sloan Kettering logo in order to receive these discounts.

Green Gourmet
1368 York Avenue
between 72nd and 73rd Streets
T: (212) 879-3003

Le Gourmet
1267 First Avenue
at 68th Street
T: (212) 772-8811

Murphy's Law
417 East 70th Street
between York and 1st Avenues
T: (212)628-3724

The Volstead
125 East 54th Street
T: (212) 583-0411

*For more information about dining discounts, please e-mail diningdiscounts@mskcc.org.

Why choose us?

Facing Cancer

If you're facing a cancer diagnosis, you may be going through a lot right now -- coping with anxiety, stress, and fear of the unknown, and trying to figure out your next steps. Where should you go for care? How are you going to balance your treatment with the rest of your busy life? We understand how overwhelming these decisions can be.

The first thing we want you to know is that the outlook has never been better for people diagnosed with cancer. Though we've always understood a lot about the disease, we've never known it better than we do right now. Today more than half of all people diagnosed with cancer can be cured, and many others will live long lives even with their disease.

At Memorial Sloan Kettering, cancer is what we know best. We've been caring for people with this disease for a very long time -- more than 130 years. Our patients have always been at the center of all we do. We're constantly thinking about your needs as well as the concerns of your loved ones -- and how we can get you the support you need at each turn.

Here are a few of the reasons why we hope you'll choose us for your care.

Team Approach

As an MSK patient, you have a team of devoted and compassionate doctors and other specialists guiding you through diagnosistreatment, and recovery -- and who are all experts in your exact disease. If you have lung cancer, for example, your care team will consist of doctors and nurses whose sole focus is cancers that begin in the chest or the lungs.

And at our weekly meetings of our specialized disease management teams, experts across different disciplines come together to discuss options for challenging cases, which means that any diagnosis or treatment plan created for you reflects the collective expertise of world-class doctors in specialties ranging from surgerymedicines like chemotherapy, and radiation therapy to imaging and pathology.

Nursing excellence is also at the heart of the care we offer. Specially trained oncology nurses work closely with your doctors and are an essential part of your team. Their support, knowledge, and deep sense of caring not only brings tremendous comfort to our patients and their loved ones, it makes a real difference in achieving the best possible treatment outcome.

We Care for the Whole Person

And because we're a comprehensive cancer center, one of only two in New York City, that's why your care team also includes dietitians, dermatologists, specialists in sexual health and fertility, psychiatrists and psychologists, rehabilitation therapists, social workers, integrative medicine specialists, and art therapists. Each of these experts understands in the particular concerns of people who've been diagnosed with cancer. Learn more about programs to care for the whole person.

So we know your opinions and can work to address any issues, we conduct regular surveys used to measure our patients' satisfaction with our care. We're proud of the consistently high marks you give us, and constantly strive to do even better. See the results of our patient satisfaction surveys.

We also provide support services for people without cancer: your loved ones. Learn more about the resources we offer caregivers and families.

Doing More with Less

Our experts are constantly looking for new ways to make cancer care less challenging for you and your loved ones. The techniques we've pioneered allow us to offer you the best available treatment for your exact condition. In some cases, it involves foregoing immediate treatment in favor of a closely monitored "watch-and-wait approach." For patients who do receive treatment, we have refined and personalized treatments to optimize your quality of life.

Here are just a few of the approaches we take to minimize treatment burden:

  • Doctors now know that patients with certain types of cancer may not need immediate treatment. We have implemented programs in active surveillance (also known as "watchful waiting") for multiple cancers, including prostate cancerthyroid cancer, breast cancer, skin cancer, and lymphoma
    . We do regular tests to keep an eye on a tumor's behavior over time, and only if symptoms develop or tests indicate the cancer is growing do we initiate treatment.
  • Our breast cancer doctors have led the way in developing and validating less-intensive treatments for breast cancer. For example, we have helped show that most patients with newly diagnosed, early-stage breast cancer are candidates for breast-conserving surgery, or lumpectomy, followed by radiation. We also have shown that in many cases we can safely avoid using axillary dissection
     (the removal of most of the underarm lymph nodes), which causes lymphedema, a sometimes-severe swelling of the arm.
  • Our surgeons pioneered an approach for determining where gynecologic cancers are likely to spread first, allowing them to remove a much smaller number of lymph nodes -- which helps patients avoid lymphedema in the pelvis -- and reduce complications of surgery.
  • Many surgeries that typically required hospitalization in the past can now be performed on an outpatient basisOur Josie Robertson Surgery Center is designed to get patients home safely as soon as possible so they can complete their recovery.

Care Closer to Home

We know that undergoing cancer treatment can be stressful. That's why we're determined to make sure your treatments are as easy and accessible as possible. Memorial Sloan Kettering has outpatient locations across New JerseyLong Island, and Westchester County so that you can receive your care closer to home. Decreasing your travel burden leaves you more time in the comfort of your home, which is important to the healing process.

At all of our regional facilities, you can receive many of the same treatments that you would in our Manhattan clinics, including chemotherapy, radiation, and even outpatient surgery. You can rest assured that no matter which location you visit, you'll be getting the same world-class care that Memorial Sloan Kettering provides.

Pediatric Care

At Memorial Sloan Kettering, we take a team approach to caring for children, adolescents, and young adults with cancer. Our experts - from physicians and nurses to child life specialists and teachers - share the goal of curing your child and returning him or her to a life focused on family, friends, and the future.

We care for children with all types of cancers, from the most common to the rarest, and at any stage, including a cancer recurrence. Our patients receive the latest, most-effective cancer treatments, and in some cases have access to innovative therapies through clinical trials, many of which may not be available elsewhere.

In addition, we provide comprehensive services to reduce the likelihood of nervous system, heart, and developmental complications associated with cancer and its treatment, and to care for such issues when they do arise.

Advancing Childhood Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Our pediatric physicians also engage in many areas of research. As clinicians and scientists, we are committed to continuously improving cancer therapies and outcomes. Our research has led to numerous discoveries and treatment strategies, including the following:

Hematologic (Blood-Based) Cancers

  • New York 1 and New York 2 regimens for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, which have helped increase the cure rates for children with high-risk leukemia from 50 percent to close to 80 percent.

Brain Tumors

  • First treatment plans for brain tumors that avoid radiation therapy, which can cause developmental delays in young children.

Retinoblastoma

  • First successful use of direct infusion of chemotherapy into retinoblastomas in the eye to eliminate cancer cells while preserving vision and reducing toxic side effects.

Neuroblastoma

  • Lifesaving surgery with no additional therapy required to cure some children withneuroblastoma.
  • Antibody-targeted therapy that, when combined with surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, has dramatically improved long-term prospects for children with neuroblastoma.
  • Tagging of an antibody with radioactive iodine to target and kill cancer cells, resulting in long-term remission in some children with neuroblastoma that has relapsed in the central nervous system.

Sarcomas

  • First successful drug combinations to treat bone cancer.
  • First use of limb-sparing surgery in the treatment of bone sarcomas.
  • First effective chemotherapy regimen to treat desmoplastic small round cell tumors.
  • Development and use of antibodies to treat desmoplastic small round cell tumors.

Surgery

  • Creation of individualized surgery plans for our young patients.
  • Development of limb-preservation surgery for removing tumors and reconstructive procedures to rebuild functional bones and joints with bone transplants and joint replacements.
  • Performance of challenging procedures such as the removal of large abdominal tumors and tumors often considered inoperable elsewhere.

Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplantation

  • First successful bone marrow transplant from an unrelated donor.
  • First use of T-cell-depleted transplants for hematologic (blood-based) cancers and disorders. This type of transplant significantly lowers the chances of harmful side effects in patients without perfectly matched blood stem cell donors.
  • First to demonstrate that a T-cell-depleted marrow transplant from parents could correct and cure lethal genetic immune deficiencies ("Bubble Babies").
  • First to show that adoptive transfer of immune cells (T cells) could cure Epstein-Barr virus-associated lymphoma, which can be a complication of a bone marrow transplant.
  • Development of safer, more consistently curative transplants for Fanconi anemia and other life-threatening inherited blood diseases.

Biological Therapies

  • Discovery and introduction of a drug called G-CSF, now widely used to boost white blood cell counts during cancer therapy, which allows patients to receive more-effective doses of chemotherapy and reduces the risk of infection.
  • Discovery of Stem Cell Factor, a protein that stimulates early blood-forming cells in the bone marrow.
  • Development of new antibody-based and immune cell transplant therapies that may be more effective and safer than conventional treatment for curing blood-based cancers and solid tumor diseases. 

Personalized Medicine

  • New and improved genetic approaches for identifying more aggressive tumors and tumors resistant to chemotherapy.
  • Personalized cancer therapy based on a tumor's genetic characteristics, with treatment tailored to be the most effective with the fewest side effects.

Providing a Supportive Environment for Cancer Care

The majority of children will survive cancer and go on to live full and productive lives. Keeping this in mind, our specialists look beyond a cancer diagnosis to focus on your child and family as a whole, offering a comfortable and supportive environment including:

  • The world's first Pediatric Day Hospital, opened in 1969. Our Day Hospital allows children and young adults to receive more than 90 percent of their treatment in an outpatient environment, leaving the hospital with family at the end of the day.
  • A vibrant and interactive community, featuring recreational activitiesspecial events, aschool program, programs for patients' siblings, and celebrations of all milestones including birthdays, holidays, high school graduation, and prom.
  • Specialized psychosocial support available for patients and family members during treatment, including child life therapists to help younger children prepare for, participate in, and comply with treatment.
  • Expert long-term follow-up programs track the health of pediatric cancer survivors soon after treatment and through the years after therapy, long into adulthood. These programs also help our experts gain information to improve the care of children and young adults currently being treated for cancer. 

At Memorial Sloan Kettering, our goal is to cure your child, while at the same time making sure that he or she remains emotionally and psychologically healthy during the treatment journey and beyond. We treat children with the expectation that they will survive their disease and return to a life filled with hope and health.

Pediatric Environment

Our pediatrics experts at Memorial Sloan Kettering will care for your child, adolescent, or young adult in the Claire Tow Pediatric Pavilion -- a custom-designed, light-filled, and brightly colored environment. The Pediatric Pavilion includes our outpatient Pediatric Day Hospital and our inpatient units. In addition to treatment, we offer a wide range of supportive services to enhance your child's quality of life and ease the experience of cancer for your family.

We provide the majority of our pediatric cancer care on an outpatient basis in the Claire Tow Pediatric Day Hospital. The heart of this facility -- built around a European piazza concept -- is our Recreation Center. The Day Hospital also includes a classroom for our school program; a room designated for our teen and young adult patients; suites with the latest medical technology; private areas for consultations and treatment; and treatment and lounge spaces with wireless Internet access.

The other section of the Pediatric Pavilion houses our inpatient units, which feature rooms where your child and family can access multimedia entertainment and the Internet. Children can also participate in group activities, including school instruction, from the bedside. All of our inpatient rooms have comfortable caregiver accommodations, so you can remain with your child overnight. Other amenities include a patient activity center, family lounge, and pantry. Children who need more-intensive inpatient care will stay in the Laura Rosenberg Pediatric Observation Unit, located on the same floor.