Fridley Cancer Organizations Plan Forum to Address Facebook Group Concerns

Two partner Fridley organizations, The Virginia Piper Cancer Institute (VPCI) and Minnesota Oncology, are planning a June 3 community meeting to discuss concerns prompted by the , which was created in order to explore the possibility that Fridley’s could be due to environmental causes.

The meeting will coincide with National Cancer Survivors Day, an event that VPCI celebrates every year, said Joyce Jendro, the program manager at Virginia Piper.

“We are putting together a forum for people to come hear about the services we offer at VPCI and just be able to talk to a medical professional about their questions relating to cancer,” Jendro said. “What is the role of the environment in cancer? What is the role of genetics and their own lifestyle?”

Minnesota Oncology’s Fridley clinic and Virginia Piper, both located on the Unity Hospital campus, work closely together and are the primary resources for Fridley residents diagnosed with cancer.

“If a patient is diagnosed with cancer in Fridley, chances are they’re going to go to Minnesota Oncology,” Jendro said.

While the five physicians and one nurse practitioner at Minnesota Oncology take a traditional medical approach to treatment, Virginia Piper doctors and support staff have a more palliative approach, creating a “very individualized approach to people with cancer,” Jendro said.

A variety of services, many of which are free, are offered by Virginia Piper staff, including nurse coordinators who accompany patients on doctor visits; physical, occupational and massage therapists; genetic counselors; and holistic practitioners such as an acupuncturist.