Smilow Cancer Hospital

03/28/2026

Michael Hurwitz, MD, PhD, talks with NBC Connecticut about kidney cancer, including symptoms to watch for and new treatments available from immunotherapies to cancer vaccines.

https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/video/news/local/kidney-cancer-awareness-month-shines-spotlight-on-one-of-the-most-common-cancers-in-the-country/3710945/

Dr. Michael Hurwitz with Yale Cancer Center and Smilow Cancer Hospital discusses how many cases the country sees every year.

03/27/2026

A few of our nurses at Smilow Cancer Hospital at Waterford are in the spirit, wearing shirts and jerseys from their favorite colleges! Who’s your favorite team? 🏀

03/27/2026

Jeremy Kortmansky, MD, talks with NBC Connecticut about how diet can impact your risk of colorectal cancer. “Diets that are high in fat, low in fiber, high in red meat, increased alcohol consumption, there’s concerns about changes because of this diet and perhaps exposures to antibiotics both medically and through our food sources, and how those all impact the changes in the gut microbiome.”

https://www.nbcconnecticut.com/video/news/local/how-diet-can-impact-your-risks-of-colorectal-cancer/3717696/

Medical experts say they’re starting to see more patients under 50 years old be diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

03/26/2026

“Dr. Deshpande is extraordinary. His expertise, his compassion, and the manner in which he listened, explained, and spent time as if I were his only patient. It makes it clear that once again, Yale’s Smilow Cancer Hospital has in its employ, the best and brightest not only in the USA, but I suspect across the globe. I could not be more grateful, nor could I feel more taken care of than in the hands of the providers at Smilow. THANK YOU to these magnificent providers for saving my life and preserving my health so that I may live the highest quality of life.”

Hari Deshpande, MD, is a medical oncologist who specializes in the care of patients with sarcomas, as well as patients with thyroid cancer and cancers of unknown primary. He sees patients at Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven, and you can learn more about Dr. Deshpande through his physician profile: https://medicine.yale.edu/cancer/profile/hari-deshpande/

03/26/2026

💥 Reminder: Tonight at 6:30pm 💥

Join us online for our Smilow Shares webinar: “Colorectal Cancer: What You Need to Know and What’s New”

Hear from our experts:
• Michael Cecchini, MD (Host)
• Kimberly Johung, MD, PhD
• Anne Mongiu, MD, PhD

Discover the latest in:
✔️ Screening options
✔️ Targeted therapies
✔️ Liquid biopsies
✔️ Advances in immunotherapy

➡RSVP: https://bit.ly/4rDG1aZ

03/25/2026

New technology is transforming surgery for bone cancer or osteosarcoma. Surgeons at Smilow Cancer Hospital are using 3D modeling and mixed reality to better see tumors, plan complex operations, and improve precision in the operating room.

In the world of musculoskeletal oncology, a specialized orthopedic surgeon acts as both an architect and a demolition expert. When a patient is diagnosed with

03/24/2026

Chief of Reconstructive Oncology, Siba Haykal, MD, PhD, joined WTNH News 8 to talk about the use of breast implants in breast reconstruction, including potential risks and how they compare with autologous reconstruction.

https://www.wtnh.com/news/health/march-is-national-breast-implant-awareness-month/

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — In today’s health headlines, we’re talking about National Breast Implant Awareness Month. What is the latest research, and what should you know if you currently have…

03/24/2026

Together with our Center for Thoracic Cancers, we’re excited to host a special moderated discussion with Annabelle Gurwitch, best-selling author, award-winning actress, and lung cancer survivor.

Join us on Tuesday, April 7 at 2:00pm in Smilow Auditorium for this inspiring conversation about resilience, storytelling, and the unexpected moments that shape our lives.

RSVP: https://form.jotform.com/260423247911149

03/23/2026

As a Patient Care Associate (PCA) on Smilow East for just over a year, Olga Desmarais has a special knack for making patients and staff feel comfortable and cared for, making her a shining example of a . Olga has over 20 years of experience as a PCA and is known to be caring and compassionate, always with a smile, and invested in teaching and encouraging all staff to be their very best.

You can often find Olga at a patient’s bedside, taking time to talk and ensure all their needs are met. Olga has received praise from several patients' family members and staff for her exceptional care and kind demeanor, and she continues to make a lasting impact on her colleagues and patients through her everyday actions.

Recently, Olga shared a touching moment with a patient who had been on the unit for some time and was feeling emotionally depleted. Wanting to lift her spirits, Olga gave her a haircut and created a “spa day” experience. The patient was beaming and deeply appreciative of the care and kindness she received.

Despite the many lives she touches, Olga remains humble. She says working with the sickle cell and oncology patient population has been incredibly rewarding. We are deeply grateful for Olga’s dedication and compassion, and she is truly an asset to Smilow East and Smilow Cancer Hospital.

03/23/2026

March is ! We’re pleased to introduce you to some of the dietitians on the Smilow Cancer Hospital team!

Did you know that not only does a healthy diet help reduce the risk of cancer development, but proper nutrition during cancer treatment is associated with fewer treatment-related side effects, fewer hospitalizations, and improved quality of life?

Food is fuel, and good nutrition helps patients adhere to their scheduled treatment plan and recover quicker after treatment. Smilow Cancer Hospital has a dedicated team of oncology dietitians who are an integral part of our care teams and provide specialized nutrition care for patients at all stages of cancer care.

03/22/2026

“I cannot say enough good things about the nurses in Phase One. They are extremely professional while giving compassionate care. They are friendly and comforting. I have been treated there for a long time and there is hardly any turnover, so it gives a sense of family or at least some very good friends. I feel like I am part of the team. I have been seen by Dr. Patricia LoRusso and Nurse Carrie Fijal, and I could write a book about the excellent care I've been given by these two women. Both are extremely knowledgeable and caring professionals, always listening to any concerns I have and ready to address any questions. I feel safe and in very good hands.

Being at the point in your cancer journey where you are in a trial can be scary and emotional. This staff works so well together and provides such good care that they have made the journey almost exciting. I'm impressed by their knowledge and professionalism. I'm grateful for each and every person that works there. The best! They have great rapport with each other, and I've seen them celebrate with their patients, and give a comforting hug when needed. They share their own stories and tell us about their families which is very comforting and caring. So much of this is so much more than just cancer. It's about relationships and this team really shines!”

Our Quality and Patient Safety team reads every comment submitted by our patients. The full patient experience is critically important to us, and we love to hear how our staff earns your trust and exhibits consideration to those in our care from arrival to departure.

03/22/2026

Tonight at 7:30pm on Yale Cancer Answers, Physiologist Rachel Perry, PhD, talks in depth about the science behind how exercise and changes in diet could affect development of cancer and a patient's outcome.

Listen live on Connecticut Public, through Apple Podcasts, or later on YouTube.