CANCER PROGRAMS
Dr. Cyrus and Myrtle Cancer Research Center
The mission of the Dr. Cyrus and Myrtle Katzen Cancer Research Center is to foster pioneering scientific research, superior clinical care, and advanced education dedicated to improving the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of cancer.
- Areas of focus for the Center include oncogenomics, which is the study of how cancer operates at the genetic level; tumor cell biology; experimental therapies; and molecular and cellular oncology, which is the study of cancer cell and molecule functions.
- The new treatment center opened in early 2009. The Center’s interior carries an “Inspired by Nature” theme, which promotes a healing atmosphere.
- The new treatment center now has 26 infusion chairs, with four dedicated to clinical research. This will bring cutting-edge research and additional treatment resources to the downtown DC area.
GW Cancer Institute
The GW Medical Center’s Cancer Institute (GWCI) takes a comprehensive approach to a complex disease. In connection with the GW Hospital and the GW Medical Faculty Associates, the Institute provides for collaboration in the study, diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Our mission is to provide a confluence of groundbreaking biomedical and clinical research, high quality educational programs, outstanding patient care to the entire Metropolitan Washington area, and effective outreach for our community.
GW is centrally located in the District of Columbia, which is ranked highest in overall cancer mortality in the nation. All patients are welcome, and most types of cancer are studied and treated here at GW; however, from a research and outreach perspective our Institute seeks to further understand why certain cancers are so predominate in our community. Many of our programs are focused on studying cancers that disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, such as minority local and national citizens. These include, but are not limited to, Breast, Lung, Prostate and Gastrointestinal/Colorectal cancer.
GWCI Community Outreach Initiatives
Office of Cancer Survivorship
- Office opened in 2008
- Formed and Hosts the Survivorship Task Force
- Opened the Cancer Survivorship Center- Phase One Pilot program
- Thanks to a grant from Pfizer and the Pfizer Foundation, GW will establish the Center for the Advancement of Cancer Survivorship, Navigation, and Policy.
- Coping with Cancer Seminar Series
- “Look Good Feel Good”
- Men Against Breast Cancer
- More than 2,700 men received free screenings in the past 30 months.
- GWCI offers FOBTs to underinsured/uninsured DC residents and distributes FOBT kits to members of the community through generous grant sponsorship.
- GW Mammovan
- Thanks to a grant from the Avon Foundation, the GW Mammovan regularly visits DC Wards 7 and 8. These areas of DC have a large medically underserved population.
- Travels to community and corporate sights.
- More than 22,000 women have been screened since 1996.
- Assisting minorities with breast or prostate cancer programs with funding assistance from the National Cancer Institute and the American Cancer Society.
- Congregational Cancer Wellness Initiative - More than 56 churches are currently participating.
- Workplace Cancer Wellness Program – Conducting seminars at corporate sites- 16 work sites.
- Neighborhood Cancer Wellness Initiative - Working with the American Cancer Society to visit local barbershops in the region. GWCI also works closely with 25 community based organizations.
Other Recent Key Activities
DC Cancer Control Plan - GW is deeply engaged in the implementation of the DC Cancer Control Plan.
DC Cancer Registry Advisory Board - GW has a principal role in this Board that guides the DC Department of Health’s cancer surveillance efforts.
Mapping Cancer in DC - working with the Department of Health and the National Cancer Institute to map cancer throughout the city based on census tracts. By documenting the role of race and poverty on cancer, GW is part of the effort to base policy on solid data and reduce mortality.