Cancer Resources

Our mission is to elevate the mind, body, and spirit of patients, survivors, and caregivers throughout the cancer journey.

Optimal Living Program offers a wide variety of evidence-based programs in Central Iowa. The programs are led by medical staff and certified instructors, and they include indoor cycling, yoga, small group personal training, Tai Chi, individual coaching, urban pole walking, and more.

Hotel Program provides lodging for cancer survivors traveling more than 50 miles for treatment in the state of Iowa.

Adult Young Survivor Program. Survivor and friends 18-40 years old can gather with their peers for community, experiences and fun. Free monthly events and activities.

Virtual Programs offer a variety of online options for non-local survivors and care givers.

Provides information on cancer, staying healthy, treatment & support (transportation/lodging) & more. Helps with questions about health insurance.

ACS Cares

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with cancer, deciding what’s next can be overwhelming. ACS CARES (Community Access to Resources, Education, and Support) is the only app that equips those facing cancer with curated content, programs, and services to fit their specific cancer journey.

Provides guidance and resources to assist those who want to quit smoking.

Quitline Iowa 800-QUIT-NOW

Keywords; Tobacco, vape, smoking, quit smoking, nicotine, dip, vaping, stats, e-cig, e-cigarettes, clean air, stop smoking, teen vape, stop cig, help, quitline, quit line, quit now

• Resource Request Form Link: http://bit.ly/LungIA 

• Provider Google Drive: https://bit.ly/44lEEBa  

• Quitline Iowa: https://quitlineiowa.org/en-US  

• My Life My Quit: https://ia.mylifemyquit.org/en-us/  

• Quitlogix Education: Quitlogix Education | Quitlogix Education for Iowa Providers 

• American Lung Association Education: American Lung Association Training 

Can Do Cancer is a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment in Des Moines, Ames and surrounding areas. Can Do Cancer provides dinner for patients and their families on chemotherapy days, house cleaning services throughout treatment, a website for patients to learn what they need to know after a breast cancer diagnosis and motivational support by breast cancer survivors.

Cancer Care is for caregivers of cancer patients. 

Support Groups are available online and live general support groups.

Connect Education Workshops may offer tips and skills to help caregiversbest care for their loved ones.

Additional Resources 

Stories of Help and Hope

The Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project has gathered these resources to help address cancer concerns in our state. This project aims to address community-specific cancer issues across all 99 counties in Iowa. These resources come from partners across the state who are committed to controlling cancer and reducing its impact in Iowa, including the Iowa Cancer Registry, Iowa Health and Human Services, the Iowa Cancer Consortium, Iowa Cancer Plan, the Iowa Rural Health Association, and more.

Iowa Cancer Resource Guide

Cancer Data Iowa by County

Cancer Support Helpline

Our experienced Helpline team offers free, personalized navigation by phone at 888-793-9355 or MyLifeLine 

No matter your role, we support YOU.  Be heard. Get answers. Find support.

Cancer Caregivers can assist with more resources

CFAC is a coalition of financial assistance organizations joining forces to help cancer patients experience better health and well-being by limiting financial challenges, through:

1. Facilitating communication and collaboration among member organizations;
2. Educating patients and providers about existing resources and linking to other organizations that can disseminate information about the collective resources of the member organizations;
3. Advocating on behalf of cancer patients who continue to bear financial burdens associated with the costs of cancer treatment and care.

Find a Support Group that Fits You.

With a cancer diagnosis comes a new set of challenges for every patient and their family members. However, no one has to walk this path alone. We can connect you and your loved ones with a wide range of support services. This way, everyone can connect with people who are on a similar journey

Patient Service Grant Program

Our Patient Service Grant Program directly supports families affected by blood or pediatric cancer.  

• Travel to and from appointments
• Rent
• Groceries
• School supplies
• Hearing aids
• Tutoring from missing class for treatment
• …& so much more

From assessment, care planning and direct care skills to wellness programs, respite services, legal/financial consultation vouchers and more, we’ll guide you to the services you and your loved one need.

CareNav  to wellness programs, respite services, legal/financial consultation vouchers and more, we’ll guide you to the services you and your loved one need.

Through our unique matching process, Imerman Angels partners individuals seeking cancer support with a Mentor Angel – a fighter, survivor, previvor or caregiver – who has been in their shoes.  Mentor Angels are trained volunteers who provide a safe, nurturing space for asking questions, laughing, crying and sharing.  This personalize support is offered at no cost to ensure that no one faces cancer alone.

The Iowa Cancer Consortium is Iowa’s statewide comprehensive cancer coalition. As a leader in cancer control, the Iowa Cancer Consortium offers the state’s cancer stakeholders access to resources, expertise, and non-competitive collaboration across traditional boundaries for a bigger impact in cancer prevention, early detection, treatment and quality of life.

Grant opportunities on the website. 

Cancer Screening and Early Detection Toolkit

Free & Virtual Support Programs

Radon Iowa 

Resource List

The Iowa Rural Health Association (IRHA) is a nonprofit membership organization of individuals and organizations dedicated to ensuring optimal health for all Iowans, particularly those in rural areas. As the voice for rural health in the state, the IRHA brings attention to the issues that affect rural health providers and helps address those issues by providing educational opportunities, facilitating information sharing, and engaging in advocacy activities.

Jesse J. Sanctuary Foundation is a nonprofit (501c3) organization located in rural Des Moines, Iowa. We provide free hideaways for cancer patients and their families where they can peacefully enjoy their time together in a nature setting. 

UnityPoint Health – John Stoddard Cancer Center, a service of UnityPoint Health – Des Moines, is among the top achieving cancer programs in the nation and has been recognized for its quality cancer care. Our high standard of care stems from decades of research, cancer treatment experience, and technological superiority in cancer care.  

Cancer Support Groups, View all classes and events offered at UnityPoint Health – Des Moines.

Stoddard Cancer Center offers both in-person and virtual options for most support groups. Please contact your support group facilitator to be added to the group list so you can receive all future updates.

Information on different types of cancer, cancer research, clinical trials, and coping with cancer. 

Connect with a cancer information specialist at 1-800-4-CANCER, through live chat, or by email.

 For a free Radon Test Kit, contact Combat Cancer for rural areas in Iowa at: https://marionph.org/combat-cancer/     Updated 7.28.2026

American Lung: Radon

Newton Public Library has Radon Detectors available for check out. 

The Ribbons of Hope Program, which provides free cancer screenings for individuals who are uninsured or underinsured.

Ribbons of Hope offers free breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screenings. These screenings help detect health concerns early - when treatment is most effective - and connect participants to the care and support they need.

Who May Qualify

• Ages 21–64 (or 65+ and not enrolled in Medicare Part B)
• Uninsured or underinsured
• Meet income guidelines

Additional Support We Provide

• Help finding a healthcare provider for follow‑up care
• Assistance in navigating referrals and appointments
• Access to interpretation or transportation services
• Compassionate support at every step

Mission Cancer + Blood offers high-quality oncology care in community settings with on-site labs, chemotherapy infusion suites, clinical trials, and multi-disciplinary tumor boards at locations all across Iowa. A cornerstone in cancer care in communities across Iowa for over 40 years, Mission has more than 20 community clinics located in rural communities or other health care organizations, keeping high-quality cancer care local for patients. 

The Mission Cancer Foundation Financial Assistance Fund provides up to $500 of financial assistance annually to adult cancer patients undergoing medical oncology treatment in Central Iowa. 

Assistance helps cover expenses, including:

• Rent or mortgage
• Utilities
• Telephone
• Transportation