Cancer Prevention in the Community
Through programs that educate members of the local community, health practitioners, policy makers, patients and survivors, and others, the GW Cancer Center serves as an education and information source on the prevention, early detection, and treatment of cancer as well as what surviving cancer means.
As part of its mission to provide community education, the GW Cancer Center takes its programs to the people. Our staff, trained in medicine, nursing, social work, cancer genetics, and public health, is available to go out to community centers, schools, and universities, places of worship, and other groups.
The GW Cancer Center also serves as an information and referral source to inform cancer survivors about available local, regional, and national support groups/services.
GW Cancer Center provides the following preventative screenings and resources.
Cancer Screenings
Breast Imaging and Intervention Center
Free Prostate and Colorectal Cancer Screenings
Lung Cancer Screening Program
For Survivors of Adult Cancers: 202-741-2210
For Survivors of Childhood Cancers:
202-741-2210
Our Cancer Screening Services
Breast Cancer
Starting between the ages of 40 and 50, women should be screened annually for breast cancer. We offer 2-D and 3-D Mammography, Automated Breast Ultrasound (ABUS) and molecular breast imaging.
Cervical Cancer/HPV*
Women aged 25 to 65 should have a primary human papillomavirus (HPV) test every five years. Cervical cancer can be screened with a Pap test alone every three years. You can combine a HPV test with a Papanicolaou (Pap) test every five years.
Colorectal Cancer
Men and women at average risk should begin screening at age 45. Our procedures include colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy and radiologic testing. Medicare Part B covers colorectal cancer screenings for those over age 50. Talk to your primary care provider about easy colorectal cancer screening tests you can complete at home.
Head & Neck Cancer
People who are experiencing oral pain, oral bleeding, neck mass, difficulty swallowing may consider getting screened for H&N cancer by an ENT.
Lung Cancer - WE'VE BEEN RECOGNIZED FOR SCREENING EXCELLENCE!
This low-dose CT scan takes just about 60 seconds to complete and is covered by most insurance plans for those at high risk. Those aged 55 to 74 years, who smoke or did smoke should consider this screening.
Prostate Cancer
The ACS recommends screening at age 50 for men at average risk, age 45 for men at high risk and age 40 for men at even higher risk. Available screenings include digital rectal exams and Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood tests.
Skin Cancer
This is the most common form of cancer. Regular screenings can help detect melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer — early, when it's most treatable.
Additional Cancer Prevention Resources
Cancer Screening
Screening and Testing to Detect Cancer
American Cancer Society Guidelines for the Early Detection of Cancer
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Cancer Screening Tests section
General Resources
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Healthy Lifestyle
Healthfinder.gov
MedlinePlus
Preventing Skin Cancer
Skin Cancer Foundation
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Skin Cancer section
National Cancer Institute Skin Cancer Prevention section
Smoking Cessation
American Lung Association
Smokefree.gov
Smoke-free Homes