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Why Choose Holden

Cancer patient at Holden smiling

We provide comprehensive care, with you in mind.

At Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, our highly experienced physicians and staff are dedicated to taking care of you, not just your cancer.

As part of a nationally recognized cancer center, our team focuses on every aspect of cancer, including what your life will be like when your treatment is complete.

Our team works together to offer some of the most advanced procedures and innovative therapies in the country. Our clinicians are also top researchers, finding new and innovative treatments and therapies, as well as what it takes to get you back to your life.

Clinical Trials
Clinical Trials
Our clinical trial portfolio rivals those of much larger cancer centers and we offer unique treatments and therapies.

As members of an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center, our doctors, nurses, and staff are among the nation's leaders in cancer research, education, prevention, and outreach. Our experience—and our expertise—guides the cancer care we provide to patients like you. We are always searching for ways to make the best cancer treatments even better.

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We make cancer personal.

We mean it when we say you are at the center of your cancer care. Our care approach is personalized on many levels. We recognize all the promise awaiting your life after cancer.

You have an entire team of experts devoted to your care.

Your MOG (multidisciplinary oncology group) brings together experts in your specific type of cancer, approaching it from several perspectives. All of these minds are trained on success for you.

You have the final say in your care options.

Your team of specialists will provide you with all the options available for the goal of returning you to health. We will work with you to choose the options that succeed for you.

Your cancer is different from anyone else’s.

On a basic biological level, your cancer has a DNA make up that’s unique to you. Cancer treatment advances—including many developed by Holden researchers—help unlock that DNA signature, allowing medicines and other treatments to work as effectively as possible to eliminate the disease.

You deserve care that treats you as a whole person.

While treating cancer is first and foremost on your team’s agenda, we know that we’re caring for you as a complete person. Our care addresses other conditions in your life and health, including the effects of cancer on your psychological wellbeing.

We’ve made a personal pledge to eliminate cancer.

Members of your care team know what a cancer diagnosis means for you and your family. Our careers as researchers and care givers are invested in reducing the burden of cancer for you and for generations to come.

Cancer patient in hallway at Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

Every Step of Your Journey

We value the fact that you have entrusted us with your care.
Browse providers Browse treatments
Clinical Trials currently in progress
Browse all clinical trials in progress

Patient Stories

Robotic surgery leads to lung cancer cure
November 20, 2025
Five years after a screening test found early-stage lung cancer, and a robotic procedure removed the tumor, a former smoker remains free from cancer.
Sharon Chamberlin
Iowa mom learns of cancer diagnosis after giving birth
May 22, 2025
I had no symptoms or any idea I was going to be told I had cancer.
Danika image
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Educational Resources

What to expect during cancer treatment
Dry mouth during cancer treatment
Sore mouth during cancer treatment
Nausea and vomiting during cancer treatment
Taste changes during cancer treatment
Difficulty swallowing and chewing during cancer treatment
Constipation during cancer treatment
Gas and bloating during cancer treatment
Diarrhea during cancer treatment
Loss of appetite or weight during cancer treatment
Food safety during cancer treatment
Thoughts for the caregiver/cook during cancer treatment
Tips for better sleep for cancer patients
The complete blood count: A guide for patients with cancer

Support Groups

American Cancer Society - Look Good...Feel Better Program

Service provided by the Fourth Floor Salon cosmetologists.

Learn more about the Look Good...Feel Better® Program.

American Cancer Society Resource Center - Burlington
Blood and Marrow Transplant Caregiver Support Group - Des Moines

For caregivers, this group will be a blend of open discussion, as well as educational information to help with practical advice and guidance from both health-care professionals and other caregivers themselves.

Blood Cancer Family Support Group - Des Moines

For adult patients with leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, myeloma, or myelodysplastic syndromes and their family and friends

Blood Cancer Support Group - Iowa City

This gathering offers support and open discussion around a diagnosis of leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma or multiple myeloma for patients, family members, friends and survivors.

Affiliated with Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Cancer Caregiver Support Group

Caring for a loved one with cancer presents a unique set of challenges. 

Family and friends who are taking care of a cancer patient are invited to attend therapy group for caregivers.

In these groups, caregivers will offer support, exchange ideas, and learn strategies to cope with the stress that comes with caring for a cancer patient.

Cancer Patient Therapy
Cleaning for a Reason - Keokuk

Provides free house cleaning once per month for four months during the time the woman is in treatment, and helps women who are going through cancer treatment

Community Hospital Outreach Cancer Support Group - Fort Madison
Group therapy for cancer patients

We offer group therapy for men and women of all ages who have a cancer diagnosis. The therapy sessions provide a safe environment for supportive interactions, education, and sharing of experiences. The groups practice mindfulness, acceptance, and self-compassion. Wherever you are in your cancer journey—recently diagnosed, in active treatment, or finished with therapy—please join us.

Henry County Outreach Support Group
Keokuk Outreach Cancer Support Group
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Telephone Support Group

Visit their website.

Multiple Myeloma Support Group of Eastern Iowa

Offered by UI Health Care's Blood and Marrrow Transplant Program for patients and caregivers.

What's on Your Mind? - Des Moines

A group or individual counseling program for people with cancer and/or their families. Patients and family members are welcome to come to group counseling or may set up individual appointments.

Call for more information on meeting dates and locations.

Yoga Support Group for Cancer Survivors - Iowa City

This group is open to any cancer survivor in the community. Participants must submit a signed medical waiver prior to starting. Waivers can be faxed or emailed. Please wear comfortable clothes and bring your own yoga mat.

Meetings are held over zoom.

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Awards and Recognition

U.S. News & World Report - Cancer
In 2025-26 our Cancer program was ranked 42 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report.
Learn more
Iowa's only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center
Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center is the only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center in Iowa. This designation recognizes our ability to offer Iowans more cancer treatment options than most U.S. cancer centers, including a vast array of clinical trials of some of the newest therapies.

An emerging body of evidence suggests that treatment at a comprehensive cancer center may offer patients better chances for long-term survival.
Learn more
The American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer (CoC)
Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of the nation’s longest accredited cancer centers from the Commission on Cancer (CoC), a quality program of the American College of Surgeons (ACS).

To achieve CoC accreditation, cancer centers are regularly reviewed to ensure they meet standards that evaluate the services offered by the program.

As a CoC-accredited cancer center, Holden applies a multidisciplinary approach and treats cancer as a complex group of diseases that requires consultation and collaboration among surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, diagnostic radiologists, pathologists, and other health care professionals that specialize in cancer care. Patients benefit from having access to clinical trials, screening and prevention events, palliative care, genetic counseling, rehabilitation, oncology nutrition, and survivorship services.
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