Cancer & Blood Disorders

Driving transformational research, personalized therapy, family-centered care, and cancer policy in the nation's capital.

Receiving a diagnosis of cancer opens a world of concern and stress for the patient, the family, and friends. At the George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center, there is peace of mind in knowing that the some of the most knowledgeable, respected, and compassionate physicians and medical staff will lead the care plan. But there is more to excellent care than outstanding staff.

The GW Cancer Center is a collaboration of the George Washington University, the GW Hospital and the GW Medical Faculty Associates to expand GW’s efforts in the fight against cancer. The GW Cancer Center also incorporates all existing cancer-related activities at GW, with a vision to create a cancer-free world through groundbreaking research, innovative education and equitable care for all.

Most of the physicians and clinical staff affiliated with the GW Cancer Center are located in The GW Medical Faculty Associates buildings located at 2150 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW and M Streets, NW. They provide a comprehensive and collaborative approach to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Our Mission

The GW Cancer Center is committed to driving transformational research, personalized therapy, family-centered care and cancer policy in the Nation’s Capital. Our vision is to become a leading innovator in basic, population, and clinical research and become a premier destination for personalized cancer care. Ultimately, the purpose of the GW Cancer Center is to improve outcomes for all cancer patients. In addition, the GW Cancer Center is dedicated to enhancing patient care through technologically advanced clinical specialties designed to contribute to the healing process. This powerful combination of academic rigor, innovative medicine, and an advanced healing environment offers Washington, D.C. metro area patients an invaluable option for cancer care.

Our Team

The GW Cancer Center staff includes oncology certified physicians who are some of the region’s most renowned experts in interventional radiology, clinical oncology, basic and translational research, and psycho-oncology. We are staffed with nurses, phlebotomists (in our own blood lab), social workers, financial resource workers, patient navigators, and oncology nutritionists. The GW Cancer Center employs a breast and ovarian cancer genetic counselor and an oncology genetic counselor who focuses on colon, prostate, lung, and kidney cancers.

Our Collaborative Approach

The GW Cancer Center is located on the campus of the George Washington University in Washington, D.C., the largest institute of higher learning in the U.S. capital and renowned for both its education and research. Working in collaboration across the University and with the GW Hospital, the GW Medical Faculty Associates, Children’s National Medical Center, the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, the Milken Institute School of Public Health, the GW School of Engineering and Applied Science, the GW School of Nursing and the Columbian College of Arts and Sciences, the GW Cancer Center leverages the exceptional talents and resources offered by these esteemed institutions to further its mission.

Our Services

A highly experienced team of physicians, nurses, social workers and technologists collaborate to ensure your best possible care at the GW Cancer Center. Dedicated to the detection and treatment of patients with cancer, blood disorders and bone marrow disease, the GW Cancer Center provides the following services;

• Comprehensive management of all oncologic disorders – Outpatient chemotherapy and intravenous antibiotic therapy are offered. Patients with acute oncologic problems, including acute leukemia and complex neoplastic disorders, are treated with specialized cancer treatment protocols.
• Clinical coagulation services – Evaluation and treatment of patients with problems such as von Willebrand disease, platelet disorders, and thrombotic disorders.
• Hematology services – Hematology services are offered for the management of patients with red cell, white cell or platelet disorders. Hemoglobinopathies, myeloproliferative diseases, and myelodysplasia are also treated.
• The Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit –The unit performs autologous transplants on patients with leukemia, lymphomas and myelomas.

• Ruth Paul Hereditary Cancer Clinic
  We offer comprehensive genetic testing and evaluation for patients who have a personal history of cancer as well as those who are at high risk for developing cancer because of a known genetic mutation and/or a strong family history of cancer. Learn more about Ruth Paul Hereditary Cancer Clinic.

Support Groups

Washington, DC Cancer Survivor Support Group

The GW Cancer Center is proud to offer a number of free support groups and programs monthly. These groups are currently offered virtually on Zoom and are open to all patients in the DC Metro Area. If you are looking for additional support groups or programs, please contact your social worker or call 202-741-2582.

All Cancers

The all cancers group is open to all cancer patients and survivors. We meet on a bi-weekly basis to discuss common themes and give support. This group is open to all diagnoses.

Gentle Yoga

Every Tuesday, 4:00-5:00pm

Gentle yoga is a relaxing yoga class that concentrates on meditation and breathing as well as gently stretching. All levels are welcome. This class is for people with cancer as well as their caregivers. To register or learn more, e-mail Sara at sfield@mfa.gwu.edu or call 202-677-6902.

Head and Neck Group

1st Tuesday of each month, 12:30-1:30pm

This group includes patients/survivors and caregivers. The group convenes on a monthly basis and will incorporate education lectures coupled with emotional support. This group is facilitated by Victoria Tripp, LGSW. To register or learn more, e-mail Victoria at vtripp@mfa.gwu.edu or call 202-677-6229.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Twice monthly on Wednesdays, 1:00-1:30pm

Developing mindfulness skills can help combat stress, anxiety, and uncertainty in everyday life. Join us for regular sessions to help you better understand and transform your mind. All experience levels are welcome to attend! Open to patients, survivors, caregivers, medical professionals and the community. These sessions are led by Sara Field, LICSW, OSW-C. To register or learn more, e-mail Sara at sfield@mfa.gwu.edu or call 202-677-6902.

Multiple Myeloma Group

3rd Tuesday of each month, 12:30-1:30pm

The Multiple Myeloma group is open to patients/survivors and their caregivers. Speakers are present at some meetings to provide education and offer support. This group is facilitated by Sara Field, LICSW, OSW-C. To register or learn more, e-mail Sara at sfield@mfa.gwu.edu or call 202-677-6902.

Nutrition Club

1st Monday of each month, 12:00-1:00pm

Nutrition Club is held monthly to discuss nutrition topics related to cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. It is open to patients, caregivers, and providers. Please contact Jennifer Leon to RSVP:jleon@mfa.gwu.edu.

Prostate Cancer Group

1st Tuesday of each month, 12:30-1:30pm

The Prostate cancer support group is open to patients and survivors. To register or learn more, e-mail Victoria at vtripp@mfa.gwu.edu or call 202-677-6229.

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The GW Cancer Center is proud to partner with the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts for additional programing. In particular, we often refer to these groups:

Young Adult Cancer Meet-Up and Support Group

The young adult groups are specifically designed for those people ages 19-39 who are currently in treatment or have been treated for cancer. It is held online during this time. To register or learn more about this group, e-mail Carla Stillwagon at carla@smithcenter.org or visit https://smithcenter.org/.

Caregiver Support Group

The Caregiver support group is a place to share common concerns, get and give advice, and learn coping skills. It is open to all people who are supporting a person with cancer. This group is hosted by the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts and is facilitated by Julia Rowland, Ph.D. To register or learn more about this group, e-mail Carla Stillwagon at carla@smithcenter.org or visit https://smithcenter.org.

Healing Circle for Metastatic Breast Cancer Thrivers 45+

This healing circle hosted by the Smith Center is for people who are 45 and older who are living and thriving with Metastatic Breast Cancer. This peer-led circle will provide a safe place to connect, support and share with one another. To register or learn more about this group visit https://smithcenter.org/.

Healing Circle for Young Adults with Metastatic Breast Cancer

This healing circle hosted by the Smith Center is for people who are 18-45 years of age who are living and thriving with Metastatic Breast Cancer. This peer-led circle will provide a safe place to connect, support and share with one another. To register or learn more about this group visit https://smithcenter.org/.

Research & Education

Uncovering New Approaches to Cancer Treatment

Attracting outstanding scientists to expand and contribute to current research efforts is a primary goal of the GW Cancer Center. With state-of-the-art clinical facilities, the center is poised to considerably enhance its research efforts by adding scientists, clinicians and support staff dedicated to the discovery of new cancer therapies.

Clinical Trials

GW physicians conduct a wide variety of clinical trials in the areas of cancer treatment and research. A clinical trial is a research study to test how well investigational treatments work in patients. They are the safest and most effective way to examine a treatment for cancer. Participants in a clinical trial have access to up-to-date medical care from our GW physicians, new treatments and the best available standard of care for their type of cancer.

Learn more information about clinical trials.

Education

With its affiliation to the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences, the GW Cancer Center has access to physicians who wear multiple hats – as clinicians, researchers and educators. Committed to sharing the latest knowledge and evidence, these faculty members contribute to better cancer care through education. As the research activities of the center expand, educational activities will be designed to ensure that new developments are shared with the entire cancer research community.

 

Contact the GW Cancer Center

Cancer Care Services in Washington, DC

Patient Appointments and Referrals

(833) GW4-CURE or (202) 741-2210

Ruth Paul Hereditary Cancer Clinic

Washington, DC Cancer Genetic Counseling

We Offer Virtual Health Visits!
Please call (202) 741-2210 to request an appointment. Please note: You will be prompted to download the Zoom software to use on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. The software is free and safe to use. Learn more about our virtual visits.

The Ruth Paul Hereditary Cancer Clinic, we work with patients who have a personal history of cancer as well as those who are at high risk for developing cancer because of a known genetic mutation and/or a strong family history of cancer. Our role is to help patients understand and manage their risk of cancer by providing hereditary cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling, genetic testing, and preventative care for high risk individuals.

Hereditary cancer risk is a rapidly growing field in medicine. The Ruth Paul Hereditary Cancer Clinic is dedicated to advancing our knowledge of hereditary cancer risk through medical research. Our program has a number of ongoing research studies in which our patients may participate.

Learn more about Ruth Paul Hereditary Cancer Clinic.

What is Genetic Counseling?

Genetic counseling is the process of helping people understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of genetic contributions to disease. This process integrates the following:

• Interpretation of personal and family medical histories to assess the chance of disease occurrence or recurrence.
• Education about inheritance, testing, management, prevention, resources and research.
• Counseling to promote informed choices and adaptation to the risk or condition.

(National Society of Genetic Counselors, 2009)

What to Expect During Your Visit

During the genetic counseling appointment:

• You will meet with a genetic counselor who will help you interpret your personal and family history.
• You will learn about the risks, benefits, and limitations of genetic testing.
• If appropriate, the genetic counselor will facilitate testing and then meet with you again to discuss results and personalized cancer screening recommendations.
• Depending on your genetic testing results, you may be referred to other specialists including the High Risk Breast Care Clinic.

Would I Benefit from Genetic Counseling?

Genetic counseling may be important if any of the following is true about you or your family:

• You or a close relative have been diagnosed with cancer at a young age
• Multiple family members have been diagnosed with the same type of cancer
• You or a close relative have been diagnosed with more than one type of cancer
• There is a known cancer predisposing mutation (e.g. BRCA) in the family

Multidisciplinary Clinic

• Offered to all known hereditary cancer mutation carriers
• Establishes coordinated care with providers of multiple specialties
• Provides a medical “home” for managing their cancer risk

Cancer Annual Report

Washington, DC Cancer Statistics

Our Cancer Annual Report provides an overview of the cancer registry data for patients treated at GW Hospital and The GW Medical Faculty Associates in the previous year, detailing trends in cancer care at GW in comparison to national American Cancer Society data.

The report also highlights many of the achievements of the GW Cancer Center's cancer initiatives - focused on community outreach, clinical care, research, and survivorship. In addition, the report lists contact information for GW's many cancer patient resources.

2014 GW Cancer Annual Report

We are pleased to present the 2014 Academic Comprehensive Cancer Program and the Comprehensive Breast Care Program Report for GW’s School of Medicine and Health Sciences (SMHS), GW Hospital, and The GW Medical Faculty Associates (GW MFA). In it, you will find information about our efforts in clinical care, community, research, and survivorship.

Download the PDF

2012 GW Cancer Annual Report

We are pleased to present the 2012 Annual Report of the Cancer Program for the George Washington University. We are proud to have been recognized by the Commission on Cancer for creating a model program for optimal cancer survivorship. In the coming year we will build on our accomplishments as we continue to develop and improve our program.

Download the PDF

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