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Kwendakwema
Natasha Kwendakwema, MD

Natasha Kwendakwema, MD

Medical Oncology

  • Physician, Fred Hutch
  • Assistant Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch
  • Assistant Professor, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine
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About

Dr. Natasha Kwendakwema is a board-certified medical oncologist and researcher at Fred Hutch. She provides care across all stages of breast cancer while researching how to make high-quality cancer care more accessible and affordable.

Background

Dr. Kwendakwema aims to support patients from diagnosis through survivorship by providing access to evidence-based therapies and clinical trials for breast cancer. She emphasizes listening to each person’s story, understanding their preferences, and helping them fully understand treatment options, so care plans align with each patient’s values and goals.

As a researcher, Dr. Kwendakwema focuses on the economics of cancer care and how financial hardship affects outcomes for people with cancer. She studies disparities and barriers to accessing evidence-based care and works to identify ways to improve care delivery. Her overarching goal is to help ensure that high-quality cancer care is accessible and affordable for everyone who needs it.

Dr. Kwendakwema received the American Society of Clinical Oncology Young Investigator Award in 2024 in recognition of her research contributions.

Area of Clinical Practice
Breast oncology

“My goal is to create a partnership with patients and support them as they navigate both their illness and the complexities of the health care system.”

— Dr. Kwendakwema

Do you have any interesting stories to share?

A patient came to me after struggling for years to consistently take a medication he needed to manage chronic myeloid leukemia, largely due to circumstances beyond his control. My team and I worked closely with him over several months, ultimately arranging for his medications to be delivered by mail. After consistently taking his medication, he returned for a follow-up visit. I was thrilled to share that his tumor marker had dropped to its lowest level ever, a clear sign of excellent cancer control. While he was normally reserved and not one to show much emotion, he surprised me by jumping in the air, shouting, “Yes!” and giving me a big hug. It was a powerful reminder that patients care deeply about their health, but external factors can sometimes prevent them from being able to follow our recommendations. By taking the time to understand individual circumstances and tailoring our care accordingly, we can help improve outcomes.

What do you value about your work?

I see my role as providing patients with the information and resources they need to make informed decisions about their care. I want patients to feel comfortable sharing their stories and concerns with me so we can work together to find the best path forward for their health.

Recent advances in breast cancer screening and treatment have led to a growing number of survivors thriving many years after diagnosis. With this has come a stronger emphasis on survivorship and making sure people who have had breast cancer maintain a high quality of life. I enjoy providing patients with the latest information about breast cancer treatment options and empowering them to make informed decisions about their care. I also find it fulfilling to discuss aspects of their lives beyond their illness — whether that’s planning for pregnancy after treatment, getting back to dance classes or preparing to attend a loved one’s wedding. These moments remind me how crucial it is to support patients holistically so they can reclaim and enjoy their lives.

Diseases Treated

Breast Cancer

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer

Health services research

Clinical trials

Quality improvement

Languages

English

Education and Experience

Fellowship, Hematology and Oncology, Fred Hutch/University of Washington School of Medicine

Residency, Internal Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine

MD, University of Utah School of Medicine

Undergraduate Degree, University of Pennsylvania

Board Certifications

Medical Oncology, 2024; Internal Medicine, 2020; American Board of Internal Medicine

Awards

Young Investigator Award, American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2024

Clinical Trials

We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by Fred Hutch physicians and researchers. 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.

View Clinical Trials

Publications

Many of our Fred Hutch physicians and researchers conduct ongoing research to improve standards of patient care. Their work is evaluated by other physicians 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. Kwendakwema'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 dietitians, 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.

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Stories

All news
Fred Hutch and UW hematology-oncology fellows win ASCO Young Investigator Awards
Fred Hutch and UW hematology-oncology fellows win ASCO Young Investigator Awards Winners represent broad range of research June 5, 2024