Cancer Support

Cancer Helpline

St. Joseph's Cancer Institute's free, confidential information line is staffed by a nationally certified oncology nurse. Cancer patients and their family members can contact the Cancer HelpLine to get reliable answers about cancer treatment and support services. In addition, callers can receive referrals to physicians, as well as to community and hospital services. 

Cancer HelpLine also coordinates cancer education and support services for patients and their families. This program connects patients to community cancer screenings and encourages prevention and early detection.

To contact the Cancer HelpLine, please call (800)-882-4123 or (813) 870-4123.

Support Groups

The St. Joseph’s Cancer Institute coordinates or participates in a variety of support groups to help patients and families cope with cancer.

Register for one of our support groups

Support Programs

St. Joseph's Cancer Institute offers additional support programs to help cancer patients feel better both mentally and physically.

Look Good…Feel Better
A free American Cancer Society support program for women before, during and after cancer treatment, to teach patients beauty techniques to help reduce the appearance of treatment-related side effects.

When: Meets twice a month from 10am-noon or 6-8pm. Call for dates. 

Where: St. Joseph’s Women's Hospital Pavilion, Fourth Floor Classroom
              3030 W. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Tampa    

Reservations required – Please call the Customer Service Center at 1-800-BAYCARE (229-2273) to R.S.V.P. Make-up is ordered specifically for each participant based on skin type/color.

Enable Your Health: Cancer Exercise Program

Exercise can reduce feelings of pain, fatigue, depression, and anxiety. Exercise has been shown to help patients improve sleeping patterns and increase energy levels. Not only will exercise increase your physical ability, but it can improve your overall quality of life! This free class will incorporate low-impact cardiovascular training, strength, balance, coordination and flexibility exercises for all levels of fitness in a safe environment. The class is taught by an expert Fitness Specialist at St. Joseph’s Hospital, Rehabilitation Department. Remember to bring your exercise mat, water, and a towel.

Restorative Yoga

Yoga incorporates stress reduction techniques, including regulated breathing, visual imagery, meditation and various stretching postures to help improve strength, flexibility and balance. Mentally, yoga calms and quiets the mind, reduces anxiety and improves concentration and focus. Research suggests that stress reduction programs tailored to the treatment of cancer may help patients cope with the acute effects of treatment and improve quality of life during and after treatment.

This is a free program for cancer survivors. However, any person with a chronic illness may attend. Classes are taught by a registered yoga instructor at St. Joseph's Hospital. Remember to bring your yoga mat, water and a towel to class.

St. Joseph's Hospital offers many more support services to patients and families, including:

Caring for the Cancer Caregiver Support Group

Being a caregiver for your loved one or friend with cancer can be a daunting journey. The Caring for Cancer Caregiver (CCC) Support Group is here to provide support for anyone caring for a cancer patient. Group meets on the 1st Monday of each month from 1:30 – 3:00 pm at St. Joseph’s Hospital Medical Arts Building Auditorium. Group is facilitated by a licensed counselor, and there are scheduled topics for each meeting. Participants will learn coping mechanisms and methods to deal with the practical issues and challenges faced by a caregiver. Handouts and informational resources will be provided. Please join us to share your stories and connect with others in a similar situation. To register for this free group, please call (813) 443-2047.

Register for one of our support programs