The GW Cancer Prevention and Wellness Center

Opened in July 2025, the GW Cancer Prevention and Wellness Center is a welcoming space designed to promote overall wellness and cancer prevention. The Wellness Center is located on the St. Elizabeths campus, near the Congress Heights Metro Station in Ward 8.

A welcoming place for prevention, connection, and whole-person wellness

Opened in July 2025, the GW Cancer Prevention and Wellness Center is a community-based space focused on cancer prevention, wellness, and early engagement in care. Located on the St. Elizabeths campus near the Congress Heights Metro station in Ward 8, the Center was developed in partnership with the community it serves.

The Center brings practical, evidence-based resources closer to home—supporting everyday choices that promote health, reduce cancer risk, and build trust in care.

A Community Resource, Rooted in Connection

The GW Cancer Prevention and Wellness Center is designed to be welcoming, accessible, and responsive to local needs. Programs are shaped through ongoing collaboration with residents, community leaders, and local organizations.

Whether attending a class, participating in a screening event, or learning about research opportunities, visitors will find a respectful environment that values lived experience, participation, and shared responsibility for health.

Whole-Person Wellness, Guided by Evidence

Programs at the Wellness Center are informed by the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, which are linked to cancer prevention and overall well-being:

• Nutrition
• Physical activity
• Restorative sleep
• Stress management
• Social connection
• Avoidance of risky substances
   

Events

The Wellness Center offers regular, expert-led wellness classes that support movement, stress reduction, and healthy routines. All classes are designed to be inclusive, adaptable, and approachable for a range of ages and ability levels. Register here

July Events
Wed: July 1st	Flow Yoga with Danya  12:30 pm Rest & Restore Yoga with Ayanna 6:00 pm
Wed, July 8th	Chair Yoga with Danya  12:30 pm Rest & Restore Yoga with Ayanna 6:00 pm
Sat, July 11th	Sound Bath Meditation 9:30 am Xtreme Hip Hop Step Class 11:30 am Self-Defense — Karate 1:00pm
Wed, July 15	Flow Yoga Note: This class will be led by a video. The instructor is not available. 12:30 pm Rest & Restore Yoga with Ayanna 6:00 pm
Wed, July 22nd	Chair Yoga with Danya  12:30 pm Rest & Restore Yoga with Ayanna 6:00 pm
Wed, July 29th	Flow Yoga with Danya  12:30 pm Rest & Restore Yoga with Ayanna 6:00 pm

Flow Yoga/Chair Yoga (Stress Management)
A grounding midday yoga flow to help participants reset, stretch, and breathe.

Rest & Restore Yoga (Restorative Sleep)
An evening class focused on deep relaxation, restorative sleep, and gentle mindful movement.

Xtreme Hip Hop Step Class (Physical Activity)
Step up to fun, fitness, and fab! Get ready to move and groove while breaking a sweat and burning calories. Bring your energy and positive vibes!

Self-Defense — Karate (Physical Activity)
A fundamental and interactive introduction to Karate movements that build balance, strength, and confidence.

All classes are held onsite at the GW Cancer Prevention and Wellness Center. Advance registration is required.

Community Action Council

The Community Action Council (CAC) is at the heart of the GW Cancer Prevention & Wellness Center’s commitment to community-driven care. Bringing together residents, local leaders, and community partners, the CAC helps shape programs, services, and outreach efforts to reflect the needs, strengths, and priorities of the communities we serve. By centering lived experience and local insight, the Council ensures that the Wellness Center remains a place where prevention, support, and connection are built with the community — not just for it. This structure helps ensure the Wellness Center remains accountable to the community and responsive to what matters most locally.

Research and Clinical Trials

The GW Cancer Prevention and Wellness Center supports research and clinical trials focused on cancer prevention, early detection, supportive care, and survivorship.

Participation in research offers community members access to new approaches to prevention while contributing to a stronger understanding of cancer risk and health equity. Studies conducted through the Wellness Center are designed to reflect and respect the communities involved.

For more information on GW Cancer Center clinical trials:

GW MFA Clinical Trials
Clinical Trials.gov 
Cancer.gov

Contact: Richard Lush, PhD 
Director, GW Cancer Center Clinical Trials Office
800 22nd St. NW, Suite 8000
Washington, DC 20052
202-994-3647 or email prms [at] gwu [dot] edu (prms[at]gwu[dot]edu)

Our Commitment

The GW Cancer Prevention and Wellness Center reflects the GW Cancer Center’s commitment to education, research, and equitable access to care. By placing prevention-focused resources within the community, the Wellness Center supports healthier outcomes through partnership, trust, and shared knowledge.

GW Cancer Center Office of Community Outreach and Engagement

Contact: Shayla Scarlett, MBA, MPA, DipACLM
Assistant Director, Community Outreach and Engagement
1201 Sycamore Dr. SE, Suite 103
Washington, DC 20032
202-994-3130 or email gwccwellness [at] gwu [dot] edu (gwccwellness[at]gwu[dot]edu)