"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Janie M. Lee, MD, MSc

Provider

Janie M. Lee, MD, MSc

Director, Breast Imaging, Fred Hutch
Professor, Department of Radiology, University of Washington School of Medicine

Specialty:

Radiology

South Lake Union Clinic

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“My passion for helping patients live longer, healthier lives drives everything I do, from providing care to conducting research to educating the next generation of radiologists.”

— Dr. Lee

What sparked your interest in radiology?

As a radiologist, I tackle difficult clinical questions using technology that allows me to literally see inside the body — that’s pretty amazing! What drew me to breast imaging in particular was working with patients during entire episodes of care. Breast imaging radiologists not only read mammograms but also discuss results, do biopsies and help develop treatment plans as part of a care team. Also, I started my medical career at a time when including women of all race and ethnicity groups in clinical trials was being recognized as critical to understanding how treatments affect everyone, which motivated me to focus on women’s health. My passion for helping patients live longer, healthier lives drives everything I do, from providing care to conducting research to educating the next generation of radiologists.

How do you like to work with patients?

I see patients from all walks of life who are facing a variety of medical situations. Whether you are receiving a breast cancer screening, feeling concerned about a breast lump, going through active treatment or seeking a post-treatment checkup, it’s important to me that you feel heard and well taken care of from the moment you walk in the door. My approach to care is grounded in evidence and focused on individual values and preferences. Patients are never just patients — they are also parents, spouses, siblings, friends, neighbors and community members, and I believe that your experience of receiving care should honor those intersecting identities.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Breast imaging

I am a board-certified radiologist who specializes in breast imaging. My expertise includes using state-of-the-art technology, such as 3-D mammography, ultrasound and MRI, to diagnose and manage breast cancer. I also serve as the director of breast imaging at Fred Hutch, where I guide our team in delivering patient-centered, research-driven care. My professional affiliations include the American Board of Radiology and the Society of Breast Imaging.

As a researcher, I focus on improving the way we diagnose early breast cancer and monitor for disease recurrence. My research studies integrate technology, cancer biology and individual patient risk factors to inform personalized cancer screening and surveillance strategies. This approach can maximize our ability to detect breast cancer for each patient while minimizing their exposure to false positives (test results that cause concern but don’t turn out to be cancer).

Diseases Treated

Breast Health

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Medical Degree
University of Pennsylvania

Residency
University of Pennsylvania, Diagnostic Imaging

Fellowship
Massachusetts General Hospital, Breast Imaging

Board Certification
Diagnostic Radiology, 2003, American Board of Radiology

Other
MSc, Harvard School of Public Health

Stories

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We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by Fred Hutch physicians. Many of these trials at Fred Hutch have led to FDA-approved treatments and have improved standards of care globally. Together, you and your physician can decide if a study is right for you.

Find a Clinical Trial Led by Dr. Lee

Many of our Fred Hutch physicians conduct ongoing research to improve standards of patient care. Their work is evaluated by other doctors and selected for publication to the United States National Library of Medicine, the largest medical library in the world. See scientific papers this Fred Hutch physician has written.

View Dr. Lee's Publications

Your Care Team

At Fred Hutch, you receive care from a team of providers with extensive experience in your disease. Your team includes physicians, a patient care coordinator, a registered nurse, an advanced practice provider and others, based on your needs. You also have access to experts like registered dieticians, social workers, acupuncturists, psychiatrists and more who specialize in supporting people with cancer or blood disorders.

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Insurance

Fred Hutch accepts most national private health insurance plans as well as Medicare. We also accept Medicaid for people from Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. We are working to ensure that everyone, no matter what their financial situation, has access to the care they need.

More About Insurance