Mission Cancer + Blood: Pioneers in quality cancer care closer to home
The founders of Mission Cancer + Blood established their oncology practice in 1981 on the premise that they could help alleviate some of the demands of cancer care by opening their doors in central Iowa.
Before 1981, there was a vast disparity in the availability of cancer and blood disorder treatments in Iowa. To receive proper care, patients and their loved ones were often forced to add travel and lodging expenses to an already stressful treatment journey.
Four visionary physicians joined forces to create Medical Oncology & Hematology Associates in Des Moines, and every physician in the state of Iowa came to refer to the group as MOHA.
The practice quickly became known as a trusted partner as its physicians and staff forged deep relationships with both patients and referring providers, while also developing a reputation for seeing patients quickly and providing quality care. Within a few years, they began collaborating with outreach hospitals and clinic partners to bring care even closer to home for rural Iowans.
From the start, MOHA brought forth a unique approach to community oncology by always centering care around what’s best for patients, offering cutting-edge treatments and trials, and hiring local physicians who care about their community — and the people who live in it.
In 2019, MOHA re-branded to Mission Cancer + Blood to reflect its culture — a deep and driving mission to provide patients with world-class, comprehensive cancer care and personalized treatment plans in a compassionate and trusting environment close to home.
Now, as a part of UI Health Care since 2024, this culture still drives Mission’s every move and with a level of expertise unmatched in central Iowa. Mission still operates with the same unique approach but with the enhanced resources that come with the backing of the state’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center, along with access to an even wider portfolio of clinical trials and rare cancer expertise.
Today, in tandem with UI Health Care, Mission is proud to partner with nearly 20 health systems in central, southern, and western Iowa at surrounding outreach hospitals, as well as in its Des Moines-area clinics.
