We understand that everyone's cancer experience is unique. Our experts use the latest technology, innovative treatments and research to meet the needs of each patient and family.
If you need to tell a child about your cancer diagnosis, ask for Simple Talks for Tough Times by Marcia Carlson, social worker at Virginia Piper Cancer Institute – Unity Hospital. The book is available at no cost.
Virginia Piper Cancer Institute®
Patients and their families are the heart and soul of the Virginia Piper Cancer Institute. We believe every patient deserves the best technology and compassionate staff, in an environment that focuses on their needs.
At the Institute, your care team includes physician specialists and health care professionals working with you to create a treatment plan that fits your life. Our team combines current technology and treatment methods with clinical research and trials, cancer screening, genetic counseling and integrative therapies, in a north metro location that is close to home.
Cancer care at Unity Hospital is nationally recognized for quality. We have been designated a Comprehensive Community Cancer Center by the Commission on Cancer We are also accredited by the American College of Surgeon's Commission on Cancer and are 2007 and 2009 recipients of the CoC's Outstanding Achievement Award, placing Unity in the top 18 percent of programs nation-wide.
Our approach
Our comprehensive approach to cancer care ensures the best possible care for our patients today and improves the care of future patients. Physicians and nurses from a wide range of disciplines work together in disease-specific teams to diagnose and treat your cancer.
We start by assembling a disease-specific team of top medical oncologists from Minnesota Oncology, surgeons, radiation oncologists, pathologists and radiologists, along with other involved caregivers. Our teams participate in regular treatment planning conferences to ensure a thorough plan for patients who need a combination of therapies and contribute to the collective knowledge of the medical staff at the Institute.
Effective communication is critical to effective treatment. On each care team, a nurse coordinator is responsible for communicating with referring physicians, making sure specialists have complete patient records, providing patients and their families with information about the treatment plan and support options, and helping them navigate the medical system. Our nurse coordinators teach patients about their treatment process, including pre-operative and post-operative care, and will address concerns and expectations.
We never stop looking for breakthroughs in cancer treatment. Research is integrated into our clinical programs and offers physicians and patients access to a broad range of clinical trials. We consistently exceed the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer’s requirements for research study participation. Our research team internally develops and conducts studies to advance cancer care. In addition, our physicians, scientists and researchers work together with national organizations.
Medical and technological breakthroughs constantly open up new avenues in the detection and treatment of cancer. At the Institute, physician experts from each disease-specific program work to ensure that we remain out front with technological advancements that enhance patient care, improve outcomes and speed recovery.
Minnesota's colon cancer rate has been decreasing over the past 10 years, says Tim Sielaff, MD, president, Virginia Piper Cancer Institute. But as many as 800 Minnesotans die from colon cancer each year.
Read video transcript.