Rachel L. Yung, MD

Why do you practice oncology?

A diagnosis of cancer has the power to change the trajectory of a person’s life and rewrite their story. Not only are there physical changes, but also emotional and intellectual ones; beliefs can shift or suddenly become clarified. I consider it an honor to care for patients and their families during this intense period. While the science of cancer has always interested me, what drives me on a personal level is providing care that empowers people to live their best lives, whether they are facing a new diagnosis or leaving cancer in their rearview.

What do you want patients to know about working with you?

When you step into my office, above all I want you to feel seen and heard. Without bias or judgment, I will listen to your concerns, answer your questions and allay your fears the best I can. My role is to share with you the most current science-backed information and then help you and your loved ones make decisions about your care. I apply a whole-person approach, meaning I’m just as concerned with your well-being as I am with treating your disease. Cancer comes with many challenges — some known and some unexpected — and together we will work toward the best outcome.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice

Breast cancers, high risk prevention

Offering opportunities for you to participate in research is an important part of receiving care at Fred Hutch. That’s why, in addition to treating patients with breast cancer, I am also an active clinical researcher, studying quality of care, cancer prevention, survivorship and the effects of certain lifestyle aspects, such as obesity, on breast cancer. My clinical trials investigate a range of topics, from the benefit of an occupational therapist for breast cancer survivors to the use of advanced diagnostics for patients whose breast cancer has metastasized. I have also been a presenter at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium and the Hawaii Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual conference.