Education is crucial to understanding and preventing cancer. North Kansas City Hospital invests in an active Community Education Program. Studies show proper eating habits, not smoking and regular exercise can help prevent cancer. Through its education classes, the hospital offers land and water exercise classes, smoking cessation classes and a support group for people who have quit or are trying to quit smoking. Health fairs and screenings promote cancer prevention and early diagnosis, and our health care professionals present wellness topics to area groups through a free speakers' bureau.

Additionally, hospital staff members, along with the American Cancer Society and the National Cancer Institute, provide educational literature and programs on preventing cancer and dealing with a cancer diagnosis. This literature can be found in Northland Cancer Center's Cancer Resource Library, located on the 5th floor of the hospital. The library is open to the public with free literature on a variety of cancers and realted topics with internet access.

After a cancer diagnosis, several support options exist so patients and families can choose the help that is most beneficial for them. Support groups meet regularly for breast cancer patients, cancer survivors and their families. A Cancer Information Line allows patients to call and receive a call back from a cancer care nurse to get information on cancer care or the hospital's cancer services. To access the Cancer Information Line, call 816-691-5197.

Support Groups

North Kansas City Hospital staff reaches out to the community through free support groups for cancer-specific topics. These groups are open to all interested individuals regardless of where they receive their cancer treatment. Unless noted, all classes meet on the first floor of Health Services Pavilion on the North Kansas City Hospital campus.

COOL (Cancer Opens Opportunities for Living) - provides support and education for cancer patients, friends and families.
Date: 1st Tuesday
Time: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
Location: "Now What!?" Cancer Survivorship Center, Medical Plaza North, Suite 210, Hospital Campus
Registration: Call 816-691-5197

Breast Cancer - Receive the help you need to cope with a breast cancer diagnosis. For survivors or anyone diagnosed. Also for family members.
Date: 1st Tuesday
Time: 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Location: "Now What!?" Cancer Survivorship Center, Medical Plaza North, Suite 210, Hospital Campus
Registration: Call 816-691-5197

Thyroid Cancer
Date: 2nd Thursday 
Time: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: 1st floor, Health Services Pavilion, North Kansas City Hospital campus
Registration: No registration required 

Freedom From Smoking - For ex-smokers or anyone trying to quit.
Date: 1st and 3rd Mondays
Time: 6 to 7 p.m.
Registration: Registration requested, 816-691-1688.