"Fred Hutch Cancer Center" "Cures Start Here"

Hannah M. Linden, MD, FACP

Provider

Hannah M. Linden, MD, FACP

Clinical Director, Breast Cancer Program, Fred Hutch
Professor, Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutch
Professor of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine
Athena Distinguished Professorship of Breast Cancer Research, UW Medicine

Specialty:

Medical Oncology

South Lake Union Clinic

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“There are a lot of breast cancer therapies that work well — and they keep getting better. There’s a high chance for a cure, and even if we can’t cure you, we can often treat you. That’s why breast cancer care is a very uplifting field.”

— Dr. Linden

What makes breast cancer care meaningful for you?

I did a fellowship at the University of Washington, where I spent a lot of time in the lab cloning and folding proteins. It was interesting and I liked the idea of moving the science forward, but my work didn’t directly impact patients. I like taking care of people, so I realized that spending my days with DNA and petri dishes wasn’t going to be satisfying in the long run. Eventually, I was able to move from the lab into more of a translational research role with breast cancer, where I could bring the latest findings and studies to patients while incorporating their needs and perspectives into research. I bridge the gap between basic science and clinical practice, and that’s much more fun for me. What I also enjoy about my specialty is that there are a lot of breast cancer therapies that work well — and they keep getting better. There’s a high chance for a cure, and even if we can’t cure you, we can often treat you. That’s why breast cancer care is a very uplifting field.

How do you like to work with patients?

My job is to scratch my head and think about how I can do the best for you as an individual, taking into account your goals and concerns and what the research says. My relationships with patients are longitudinal; I don’t just stamp you with a treatment pathway and send you through the Fred Hutch system. We maintain an ongoing dialogue about your care so that we can modify the plan if a bothersome side effect shows up or if treatment is interfering with some aspect of your life. Above all, I see myself as an advocate to help you access the cancer therapies, clinical trials and supportive care that you need.

Provider Background

Area of Clinical Practice
Breast cancer

I am a medical oncologist who treats women and men with all stages and types of breast cancer. My clinical practice spans Fred Hutch and Harborview Medical Center, and I help patients across both organizations access clinical trials. One of my areas of expertise is endocrine therapy, which involves manipulating hormones to stop or slow the growth of tumors.

My research is focused on new breast cancer therapies and molecular imaging techniques. For example, one national trial uses a radiolabeled tracer to predict how patients with metastatic breast cancer will respond to estrogen-blocking therapy (a form of endocrine therapy), which can ultimately inform treatment decision-making. Another area of interest is helping underserved populations access high-quality cancer care. In addition to working with patients and conducting research, I’m also active in education, serving as the associate program director of the Medical Oncology and Hematology Fellowship Program at Fred Hutch and UW Medicine.

Diseases Treated

Languages

English

Education, Experience and Certifications

Undergraduate Degree
Yale University

Medical Degree
University of Massachusetts

Residency
University of Arizona Medical Center, Internal Medicine

Fellowship
University of Arizona Medical Center, Internal Medicine; University of Washington School of Medicine, Medical Oncology

Board Certification
Medical Oncology, 1997, 2019, American Board of Internal Medicine

Other
Internship, University of Arizona Medical Center

Awards

Seattle Met's 2016 Top Doctors Award
Dr. Linden received this peer-nominated award for exceptional patient care.

Stories

All news

New funding drives six breast cancer studies

New funding drives six breast cancer studies Scientists from Fred Hutch/University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Cancer Consortium receive $1.7M in grants from Breast Cancer Research Foundation November 4, 2024

International symposium shines a bright light on long-overlooked lobular

International symposium shines a bright light on long-overlooked lobular Scientists, clinicians and patient advocates partner to improve the imaging, awareness and research gaps of ‘no-lump’ lobular breast cancer October 15, 2024

The new weight-loss drugs and cancer

The new weight-loss drugs and cancer What patients and doctors need to know when it comes to the popular new injections and pills March 28, 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.

Find a Clinical Trial Led by Dr. Linden

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. Linden'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.

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