New England Cancer Specialists Announces Growth of Breast and Surgical Services
February 4, 2025
New England Cancer Specialists Announces Growth of Breast and Surgical Services with the Launch of the Center for Breast Health Rock Row Campus to House New Comprehensive Breast Health Program Led by Dr. Chiara Battelli, Dr. Eleni Nackos, and Top Surgeons Dr. Paige Teller and Dr. Jillian Smith
Scarborough, ME – New England Cancer Specialists (NECS) is proud to announce plans for the creation of a new Center for Breast Health, an innovative program designed to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care for individuals facing breast cancer and related conditions. The Center brings together an extensive range of services under one roof—from diagnosis to survivorship—making NECS the premier choice for cancer care in New England.
The new program gains significant momentum with the addition of Dr. Paige Teller and Dr. Jillian Smith, two of New England’s most experienced breast surgeons. This surgical expansion complements NECS’s established expertise in medical oncology, which is already paired with counseling, nutrition, genetic testing, survivorship support, and seamless collaboration with patient primary care providers.
"With the addition of surgical services, NECS’s Center for Breast Health will bring hope to many," said Lee Elwell, Vice President of Operations at NECS. "Our patients will benefit from having world-class care in their community, supported by our unique and deep affiliation with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute."
Dr. Jillian Smith Joins NECS
The Center for Breast Health proudly welcomes Dr. Jillian Smith, whose expertise and dedication to patient care has elevated surgical services in New England over recent years. A Massachusetts native, Dr. Smith returned to New England in 2021 after leading surgical oncology and breast surgery programs in Pennsylvania. Her commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care has been the hallmark of her career.
Dr. Smith completed her undergraduate studies at Vanderbilt University and earned her medical degree at the University of Massachusetts. She trained in general surgery at UMass and further specialized with a fellowship in Complex General Surgical Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Board-certified in both General Surgery and Complex General Surgical Oncology, Dr. Smith is passionate about delivering industry-leading treatments tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
"Breast cancer affects more than just the patient—it touches their entire family," said Dr. Smith. "At NECS, we are creating a program that provides not only top-tier surgical care but also the support and resources patients and their families need throughout their journey."
Dr. Smith joins Dr. Paige Teller, a well-established leader in the Maine surgical community, to deliver exceptional care at the Center for Breast Health. Together, they are building a program that integrates the latest advancements in breast cancer treatment with a compassionate, team-based approach.
NECS at Rock Row: A World Class Home for Oncology Care
The opening of NECS’s new Rock Row campus marks a transformative moment for cancer care in the region. The new campus allows for the inclusion of a breast surgery program. The campus will also include Radiation Oncology, further enhancing NECS ability to provide multidisciplinary care. As the only Affiliate Member of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute globally, NECS offers patients access to first-of-clinical trials and innovative therapies, further solidifying its reputation as a leader in cancer care.
"The Center for Breast Health solidifies and deepens NECS commitment to our communities and delivers comprehensive first-class care right here in Maine without the need to travel,” said Dr. Chiara Battelli, President of New England Cancer Specialists. "We believe that there is no better place for healing than home.”
About NECS
New England Cancer Specialists (NECS) is an independent surgical, medical oncology, and hematology practice dedicated to the highest quality team-based care for every patient. Comprised of 20 physicians who are nationally recognized for their expertise and experience, they participate in more clinical trials than any other practice in Maine. With partnerships across the state and around the region, NECS aims to further increase the availability of and access to novel cancer therapeutics and programmatic advancements. For more than 30 years, NECS has maintained a relationship with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston and became the first-ever Affiliate Member of DFCI in January 2022. NECS will be moving their headquarters to Rock Row in Westbrook in early 2025; adding Radiation Oncology and Breast Surgery.
For more information, visit www.NewEnglandCancerSpecialists.org.
