The Virginia Piper Cancer Institute provides access to specially designed programs and support services for people diagnosed with cancer, their families and caregivers.
Programs and Resources
Virginia Piper Cancer Institute programs and resources include:
The Living Room Cancer Resource Center
Located on the fourth floor of the Piper Building, the Living Room Resource Center offers a comfortable place to learn in a supportive environment. Professional staff members and volunteers help locate information and guide patients through resources on cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment options and support services.
Cancer-related information is available in books, videos, audiocassettes, CDs, brochures, articles and through the Internet. For more information, call the Living Room at
612-863-8713.
Cancer Rehabilitation
Sometimes individuals who have had breast surgery may benefit from rehabilitation services and a lymphedema prevention and treatment program available at the Piper Breast Center. They are offered through our partnership with nationally recognized physician, Nancy A. Hutchison, MD, from the Sister Kenny Rehabilitation Institute and a team of physical therapists specializing in lymphedema and the rehabilitation concerns of patients.
Support Groups Coping with Change
A support group for people with esophageal, gastric, head and neck cancer, and their families. This group provides an opportunity to share questions and concerns with others who are experiencing similar diagnoses. The group meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 3-4 p.m.
I Can Cope
The American Cancer Society’s "I Can Cope" program offers educational classes for individuals with cancer and their family members. Each class has a different topic related to common questions or concerns one might have when diagnosed with cancer. Classes are taught by a health care professional and are held on the third Tuesday of every month from 3-4:30 p.m.
Look Good, Feel Better
This American Cancer Society class offers beauty techniques to help women enhance their appearance and self-image during chemotherapy and radiation therapy treatments. It is designed to provide tips for dealing wtih side effects of treatment such as hair loss and skin changes. The class is held on the third Thursday of every month from 10 a.m.-noon.
The Brain Tumor Support Group
This group meets on the second and fourth Thursday of each month from 7-8 p.m. A light dinner is offered starting at 5:30 p.m. before each group. Meetings are held in the Piper Building sixth floor classroom.
Program for Women Newly Diagnosed with Breast Cancer
A structured series of four sessions designed for women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer in the last six months. Group sessions offer support and education to help women manage the stressors of diagnosis and treatment. Meetings are held every other month on Mondays from 3:30-5 p.m.
Breast Cancer Support Group
An ongoing group that provides a supportive environment for women who have breast cancer to share thoughts and feelings with each other. The group is open to women in any phase of their breast cancer experience. Held on the 4th Tuesday of every month from 5-6:30 PM.
Prostate Cancer Education & Support Group
An ongoing group that provides an opportunity for men with prostate cancer, their families and friends to share information and learn from others. Meetings are facilitated by a psychologist and a registered nurse. Physicians and other professionals will present education topics periodically. Held the third Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7 p.m.
All support groups are free of charge. For a current schedule of support groups, call the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute at 612-863-4633.
Social Services
The Virginia Piper Cancer Institute has a clinical social worker who is available to assist patients and their families. The social worker provides help with emotional support, financial issues, Health Care Directives, and community resources. For more information call 612-863-4633.
Palliative Care
Palliative care specialists have expertise in treating pain or other symptoms of serious or life-threatening illness. This interdisciplinary care optimizes quality of life so that treatment is better tolerated. Patients and their families can talk with the Palliative Care team about treatments, medications, troublesome symptoms or side effects, spiritual concerns, goals and dreams.
Medical Nutrition Therapy
A registered dietitian is available at the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute to assist with nutritional assessments and strategic goal setting to help reduce symptoms, maintain weight and improve food intake.
Integrative Medicine
The practice of integrative medicine complements more traditional medical therapies. These services are provided through the Institute Health and Healing where the focus is on the patient as a whole, not just the disease and symptoms. A healing coach is available to guide patients in finding the services that might benefit them most.
Some of the healing therapies offered include acupuncture, biofeedback, guided imagery, massage therapy and spiritual direction.
Spiritual Care
Through Abbott Northwestern's Spiritual Care Department, support is offered for individuals and families to access the resources of their own spiritual heritage, to address
concerns and feelings raised by the diagnosis, and to encourage each person's own journey of faith and hope. The sacraments and rituals of numerous faith traditions are available. Call 612-863-4370 for assistance.
Virginia Piper Cancer Institute
Abbott Northwestern Hospital
800 East 28th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407
612-863-4633
