James A. Haley Veterans Hospital

Cancer Care at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital in Tampa Bay

James A. Haley Veterans Hospital provides exceptional cancer care with a strong focus on a patient-centered approach. The hospital has earned numerous accreditations and recognitions for excellence in cancer care, including the American College of Surgeons Commissions on Cancer Accreditation and the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers Accreditation.

Located in Tampa, Florida, James A. Haley Veterans Hospital is a leading top healthcare facility dedicated to providing exceptional cancer care specifically tailored to the needs of veterans. Discover how this renowned hospital combines advanced medical treatments with compassionate support to help veterans navigate their cancer journey. Learn about this Florida hospital’s specialized programs, experienced medical teams, and commitment to veteran’s well-being.

What Sets James A. Haley Veterans Hospital Apart?

As a patient at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, you are at the center of a team dedicated to your care. Doctors, specialists, and support staff come together to understand your unique needs and create personalized treatment plans tailored to you. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) funded hospital stands out for this collaboration among healthcare providers, especially for veterans who deal with rare cancers like mesothelioma.

Veterans diagnosed with mesothelioma can benefit from having access to an entire team of specialists, including radiologists, pathologists, medical oncologists, thoracic surgeons, radiation oncologists, pulmonologists, and social workers. This teamwork allows veterans to receive coordinated, modern treatments, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

The hospital has received several awards and achievements for its contributions to mesothelioma treatment and respiratory care, including the VA’s Best Practice Award, the American Thoracic Society’s Quality Care Award, and the VA’s Pulmonary Hypertension Center of Excellence Designation.

Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Programs in Florida

Receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis can be overwhelming, but at James A. Haley Veterans Hospital, you will find most if not all of the specialists and doctors you need to manage your health. Providers at the main hospital location use advanced diagnostic tools, including PET scans, tissue biopsies, and imaging scans, to confirm your diagnosis and develop a treatment plan based on your needs.

An important part of managing mesothelioma involves accessing supportive care services such as counseling, support groups, physical therapy, pain management, and nutrition counseling. These support services can help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall health while other advanced treatment options can help shrink or remove tumors.

Treatment Options at James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital

The hospital’s treatment team consists of thoracic surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and other specialists. Radiation oncologists use techniques like 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy, Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), and Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) to deliver beams of energy to precise targets (tumors). In addition to surgery and radiation, the hospital offers other treatment options, such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy, palliative care, and clinical trials.

The James A. Haley Veterans Hospital offers an extensive range of treatment options. For patients who require surgical intervention, the hospital offers advanced procedures like:

• Pleurectomy/Decortication: A surgery that removes the lining of the lungs (pleura) and surrounding tissues.
• Extrapleural Pneumonectomy: A more extensive approach that removes an entire lung and surrounding tissues.

Clinical Trials for Veterans in Tampa and Florida

As a veteran, you can contribute to medical research and access additional treatments for cancer through clinical trials. James A. Haley Veterans Hospital collaborates with institutions in Tampa and Florida to test new treatments, medications, and therapies with the anticipation of improved outcomes.

Several clinical trials are currently underway in Florida. A notable example is the ongoing phase II trial at the Moffitt Cancer Center, investigating a new immunotherapy for pleural mesothelioma. To learn about clinical trials, you can:

• Visit the National Institute of Health’s Clinical Trials website.
• Contact the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital in Tampa or other VA medical centers in Florida.
• Discuss your interest with your primary care physician.

Talking about your interest in clinical trials with your primary care physician can help confirm if you meet the trial’s specific requirements, such as diagnosis, age, and medical history.

James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital Locations and Information

The James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital, located in Tampa, Florida, is the VA system’s flagship medical center, providing a full range of healthcare services to veterans. Additional branch locations are located in New Port Richey, Zephyrhills, and Lakeland, Florida.

James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital

13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd, Tampa, FL 33612

813-972-2000

New Port Richey Outpatient Clinic

8631 Old CR 54, New Port Richey, FL 34653

727-841-3300

Zephyrhills Outpatient Clinic

38250 Daughtery Rd, Zephyrhills, FL 33540

813-780-0055

Lakeland Outpatient Clinic

3515 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL 33805

863-284-4225

Navigating James A. Haley VA Hospital Services

Although navigating the healthcare system can seem intimidating, James A. Haley VA Hospital tries to make access to care as seamless as possible. You can access virtual appointment options and telehealth services for non-emergency care, reducing the need for in-person visits and receiving medical guidance from the comfort of your own home. If you are a veteran with cancer, it might help to know that thousands of veterans have walked a similar path and that there are resources available to you. Whether it is finding the right clinic, understanding benefit eligibility, or connecting with resources, we can help you.

We also recognize that financial impacts can weigh heavily on veterans with cancer. Mesothelioma Vets connects veterans who have been diagnosed with service-related cancer or illnesses to top-notch lawyers who specialize in securing compensation to cover treatment costs so that you can focus on your health. Contact us to explore your options today.