Screening, Genetics and Early Detection

We offer many screening and prevention programs. Below are the programs currently available. 

Community Cancer Awareness Series

These annual cancer awareness programs are designed to promote community awareness of prevention, early detection, screening, as well as diagnostic methods and treatment options for various cancers. Presentations include an overview of specific cancer sites and ways for participants to reduce their risk through symptom recognition, utilization of early detection methods and life-style modifications.

Each year programs are held for these types of cancer:

• Colon Cancer: Held each March during colorectal cancer awareness month, this symposium is an event that educates people about colorectal health and positive lifestyle modifications.
• Melanoma/Skin Cancer Prevention Initiative: May is melanoma awareness month and each May the Washington Cancer Institute coordinates activities that focus on education and screening.
• Ovarian Cancer: Every fall the Washington Cancer Institute coordinates an educational activity to increase awareness of ovarian cancer, risk factors, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.
• Prostate Cancer: The Prostate Conditions Education Council designates one week each September for prostate cancer awareness. During this week campaigns are launched to encourage prostate cancer awareness and the importance of early detection. The Washington Cancer Institute participates by coordinating a prostate health program focusing on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer and nutrition, and a free prostate cancer screening for the community.
• Breast Cancer Awareness – Spa Day: This program is a partnership between Washington Cancer Institute and the IS Clinical Skincare. It helps cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments gain more control over the changes caused by cancer treatment. It assists women with regaining their appearance and positive self-image. It is held each October for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Women receive spa treatments as well as health education, on breast cancer, its treatment, skincare, nutrition, exercise and lymphedema.
• Lung Cancer: Washington Cancer Institute coordinates an educational activity in conjunction with the American Cancer Society during the Great American Smokeout each November.

Edgewood Management Corporation: This partnership is an outreach initiative geared to increase the D.C. community’s knowledge of breast health. The program is funded by Susan G. Komen for the Cure and it provides free breast health education materials and other risk reduction measures.

Genetic Counseling

We understand that the diagnosis of cancer creates concern for related family. MedStar Health is pleased to announce the availability of our new clinical cancer genetics service. This is a joint initiative involving the MedStar Washington Hospital Center/Washington Cancer Institute, Georgetown University, and MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center.

Aimee Martin, MGC and Chloe Farkas, MGC are the genetic counselors affiliated with this program. They have experience counseling high-risk individuals mainly with respect to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer and are pleased to be able to expand their skills into other areas of cancer genetics.

This program will provide comprehensive pre- and post-test genetic counseling to patients and family members seeking information and support concerning their personal and/or family history of any type of cancer. Patients will learn about the availability and option of genetic testing for cancer susceptibility along with information regarding cancer screening and prevention trials. Patients may also learn how this information may impact their relatives risks for developing cancer.

This is an interdisciplinary program which may involve referrals and consultations with physicians from several different medical specialties. Patients may also be evaluated by a geneticist and/or medical oncologist.

For more information or to make an appointment, call 202-444-2223.

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