"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

C. Natasha Kwendakwema, MD

Provider

C. Natasha Kwendakwema, MD

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

Specialty:

Medical Oncology

South Lake Union Clinic

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“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.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Breast oncology

I am a board-certified medical oncologist who sees patients at the South Lake Union Clinic.

I specialize in caring for people through all stages of breast cancer and its treatment.

My research focuses on the economics of cancer care and how financial hardship affects outcomes for people with cancer. I am also interested in understanding the disparities and barriers to accessing evidence-based care, and in developing ways to improve care delivery. My goal is to help make high-quality cancer care accessible and affordable for all who need it.

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be life-changing. I aim to provide patients with support and access to evidence-based therapies and clinical trials throughout their care experience. It’s important to me to hear each person’s story, learn their preferences and make sure they understand all available treatment options. Together, we can develop a treatment plan that aligns with each person’s values and goals.

Diseases Treated

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduacte Degree
University of Pennsylvania

Medical Degree
University of Utah School of Medicine

Residency
University of Washington School of Medicine, Internal Medicine

Fellowship
University of Washington/Fred Hutch Cancer Center, Hematology and Oncology

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

Awards

Young Investigator Award, American Society of Clinical Oncology, 2024

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.

View Clinical Trials

Many of our Fred Hutch physicians 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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