Cancer support and education programs

A program of:

• Virginia Piper Cancer Institute

Patients are encouraged to participate in our educational programs and support groups, which can help you and your loved ones cope more and create supportive relationships with others facing a similar situation.

Please ask staff members for more information about these programs, their times and locations.

Cancer support groups

Talking with children about cancer

If you need to tell a child about your cancer diagnosis, ask for a free copy of Simple Talks for Tough Times by Marcia Carlson, social worker at Virginia Piper Cancer Institute – Unity Hospital.

Our support groups include:

• Breast cancer support groups - Support groups help women cope with a diagnosis of breast cancer.
• Living with cancer support group - A weekly support group for people diagnosed with cancer, their family members and loved ones.
• Movement and healing dance - This monthly class welcomes cancer survivors at all levels of care or aftercare.
• Prostate cancer support group - A support group for men coping with a diagnosis of prostate cancer and their spouses.
• Renewing life - This eight-week session helps individuals with cancer bring meaning, joy and a sense of control back to their lives.
• Cancer and the family - This five-week support and education program is for all members of a family – adults, teens and children.
• Look good, feel better - A cosmetology demonstration to help individuals cope with the side effects of cancer treatment. Discover how looking good can make you feel better.

See a list of northwest metro cancer support groups

Integrative medicine classes and programs

We work with the Penny George™ Institute for Health and Healing – Unity Hospital to provide integrative health services and support for cancer patients.

Community forums

Our educational cancer events are open to the general public at no charge and cover a variety of topics such as nutrition and cancer and genetics and cancer.

They are led by professional medical experts from the Twin Cities area. We also offer continuing education credits for professionals. Watch for information about upcoming events.