Here at the GW Cancer Center, we aim to provide quality, personalized patient care and support.
Patient Navigation
Patient navigators are health care experts who help patients, their families and caregivers overcome barriers they may face in the health care system and facilitate access to medical care, supportive care, emotional support and resources. The GW Cancer Center provides patient navigation services across the cancer care continuum including:
GW patient navigators can help by addressing a variety of patient needs, such as:
- Care coordination: Helping patients access the right care at the right time
- Communication: Helping patients receive understandable health care and treatment information and to communicate with their health care team
- Education and employment: Helping patients complete FMLA paperwork and other documentation to maintain employment and other benefits
- Financial: Helping patients enroll in financial assistance programs to assist with paying for medical care
- Insurance: Helping patients obtain/maintain insurance and address issues that arise
- Logistical: Helping patients with other aspects of their lives that may be challenging, such as housing, transportation, or nutrition
Social Work
GW offers a team of oncology social workers who counsel patients and caregivers, which can help reduce stress through all phases of your cancer care. They provide services across the cancer care continuum, including:
- Helping patients and their loved ones address emotional challenges and coping with illness
- Helping patients consider treatment options while taking into account work, family, and other important life factors
- Serving as liaisons between patients and their medical teams, helping to ensure patient and family goals are in line with treatment and the patient's perspective is taken into account
- Helping patients understand benefits that may be available through their job, including the Family and Medical Leave Act, short- and long-term disability, as well as federal programs such as Social Security Disability and Medicare
- Facilitating cancer-specific support groups for patients and community members in active treatment and survivorship
Our social work team works in conjunction with our patient navigators to ensure patients have access to the full range of comprehensive services they need throughout their cancer care experience.
Nutrition Services
The GW Cancer Center offers comprehensive nutrition services to support patients throughout their cancer journey, recognizing the critical role that diet plays in treatment, recovery, and overall well-being. Overseen by an experienced oncology dietitian, these services provide personalized nutrition counseling tailored to each patient’s needs, addressing concerns such as managing treatment side effects, maintaining a healthy weight, and optimizing nutrient intake.
Whether patients require specialized meal planning, strategies for improving appetite, or guidance on dietary supplements, the nutrition team works closely with them to enhance their quality of life and support their overall health. By integrating evidence-based nutritional strategies, patients are empowered with the tools they need to nourish their bodies and improve treatment outcomes. Email Lauren Powell or call 202-741-2210 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Cancer Support Groups and Wellness Services
The GW Cancer Center offers free monthly support groups and programs. These groups are currently offered virtually on Zoom and are open to all patients in the DC Metro Area. For more information or to register for a specific support group, email Jessica Gelfarb or Sara Richman, or call 202-741-2582.
GYN Support Group
- Meets virtually on the 1st Tuesday of each month
- 11 am – 12 pm
This group is intended for anyone who has ever been diagnosed with gynecologic cancer. The group is open to patients/survivors as well as caregivers. The group convenes monthly and will incorporate educational lectures and emotional support.
Mindfulness and Meditation
- Meets virtually on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month
- 2:00 pm – 2:30 pm
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. Oncology social workers lead these sessions.
Multiple Myeloma Group Support Group
- Meets virtually the 3rd Tuesday of each month
- 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
The Multiple Myeloma group is open to patients/survivors and their caregivers. Speakers are present at some meetings to provide education and offer support.
Leukemia and Lymphoma Support Group
- Meets virtually the 4th Tuesday of each month
- 11:00 am-12:00 pm
The GW Cancer Center’s Leukemia and Lymphoma Support Group provides a compassionate and supportive environment for patients, survivors, and their loved ones affected by blood cancers. This group offers a space to share experiences, gain emotional support, and receive valuable information on managing the challenges of leukemia and lymphoma. The support group is led by clinical social workers covering topics such as treatment options, coping strategies, and survivorship.
Lung Cancer Support Group
- Meets virtually the 4th Thursday of each month
- 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (launching April 24, 2025)
The GW Cancer Center’s lung cancer support group provides a compassionate and supportive environment for patients, survivors, and their loved ones affected by lung cancer at all stages. This group offers a space to share experiences, gain emotional support, and receive valuable information on managing the challenges of lung cancer. The support group is led by clinical social workers covering topics such as treatment options, coping strategies, and survivorship.
Nutrition Club
- Meets virtually the 1st Monday of each month
- 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
The Nutrition Club is held monthly to discuss nutrition topics related to cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship. It is open to patients, caregivers, and providers. Email Lauren Powell for more information.
Prostate Cancer Support Group
- Meets the 2nd Tuesday of each month
- 12:30 pm -1:30 pm
The Prostate Cancer Support Group at the GW Cancer Center provides a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals affected by prostate cancer, including patients, survivors, and their loved ones. This group offers a space for participants to share experiences, gain emotional support, and receive valuable information about treatment options, side effects, and survivorship. The sessions, facilitated by GW Cancer Center social workers and guest speakers, include discussions on the latest advancements in prostate cancer care, lifestyle recommendations, and coping strategies. The group aims to empower individuals throughout their cancer journey by fostering a sense of community and helping them navigate challenges with confidence and resilience.
The GW Cancer Center partners with the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts for additional programming. 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 aged 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, visit the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts.
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, visit the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts.
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 the Smith Center for Healing and the Arts.