At the GW Cancer Center, we are committed to providing compassionate, personalized support for patients and caregivers at every stage of the cancer journey. Our integrated services are designed to help you navigate care, manage challenges, and access the resources you need.
Patient Navigation
Patient navigators are experienced health care professionals who help patients, families, and caregivers overcome barriers to care and stay connected to the services they need.
Navigators support you by:
- Coordinating care, so you receive the right services at the right time
- Helping you understand your diagnosis, treatment options, and care plans
- Facilitating communication with your health care team
- Assisting with insurance questions and identifying financial assistance programs
- Supporting employment needs, including Family and Medical Leave Act documentation
- Connecting you to resources for transportation, housing, nutrition, and other daily needs
Patient navigation services are available across the cancer care continuum, including hematology, radiation oncology, breast, gynecologic, and head and neck cancers.
Oncology Social Work
Our oncology social workers are an integral part of your care team, providing counseling and practical support to patients and caregivers. They understand the emotional, psychological, and social challenges that often accompany a cancer diagnosis and tailor their support to your unique needs.
Social workers can help with:
- Coping with a new diagnosis and managing stress, anxiety, or uncertainty
- Navigating treatment decisions while balancing work, family, and personal priorities
- Supporting communication with your care team, ensuring your values and goals are reflected in your care
- Addressing changes in family dynamics, including guidance on talking with children about cancer
- Understanding benefits such as FMLA, disability programs, Medicare, and Social Security
- Connecting you to financial, transportation, housing, and community resources
They also serve as a central point of coordination, working closely with patient navigators to ensure you have seamless access to comprehensive support throughout treatment and recovery.
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
The GYN Support 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 Wednesdays 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 Mindfulness and Meditation 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 on the 3rd Tuesday of each month
- 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
The Multiple Myeloma Support 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 on 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 on the 4th Thursday of each month
- 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
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.
Gastrointestinal Cancer Support Group
- Meets virtually on the 3rd Friday of each month
- 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
This Gastrointestinal Cancer Support Group is designed for adult patients/survivors diagnosed with gastrointestinal (GI) cancers (including pancreatic, colon, rectal, anal, stomach, esophageal, liver, appendicular, neuroendocrine tumors, and gallbladder) and their caregivers. The group will incorporate educational lectures coupled with emotional support.
Prostate Cancer Support Group
- Meets on 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 Young Adult Cancer Meet-Up Group.
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 Caregiver Support Group.
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 for the group, visit the Healing Circle for Metastatic Breast Cancer Thrivers 45+.
How to Access Services
We make it easy to connect with the support you need.
To learn more, schedule an appointment, or register for a support group:
- Call 202-741-2582
- Email jgelfarb [at] mfa [dot] gwu [dot] edu (Jessica Gelfarb) or srichman [at] mfa [dot] gwu [dot] edu (Sara Richman )
Our team will work with you to identify the right services and ensure you are supported every step of the way.