Cancer Support Resources in Iowa
Iowa’s cancer landscape is shaped by forces that are easy to overlook if you’re not from here: decades of agricultural chemical exposure, an aging rural population, a shrinking network of local healthcare providers, and winters that can make accessing treatment genuinely dangerous. These aren’t abstract policy concerns — they are the real conditions under which Iowa cancer patients manage their diagnoses.
The relationship between farming and cancer risk in Iowa is one of the more documented regional health patterns in the Midwest. Pesticide and herbicide exposure among farmers, farmworkers, and people who grew up near intensive agricultural operations has been associated with elevated rates of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, and certain leukemias. Many Iowa farmers and their families are navigating cancer diagnoses that may be connected to their working lives — often without full awareness of programs specifically designed to help agricultural communities access support and legal guidance.
Iowa’s rural character amplifies every other challenge. The state’s population is spread across 99 counties, and outside Des Moines, Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, and a handful of other regional centers, oncology services are scarce. The University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center in Iowa City — Iowa’s only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center — draws patients from across the state and region. That’s a tremendous asset, but for someone in northwest Iowa, getting there can mean a five-hour round trip. For patients in active treatment needing to make that drive weekly or daily for weeks at a stretch, the cumulative burden — financial, physical, and emotional — is enormous.
County hospital closures have made the situation worse over the past decade. Rural hospitals that once provided infusion therapy, basic diagnostic imaging, and supportive cancer care have closed or scaled back, pushing patients further from home for services they previously received locally. The ripple effects hit hard: patients burn through paid leave, spend money they don’t have on travel and lodging, and deal with isolation during treatment days spent far from their communities.
Iowa winters add another dimension. Ice, snow, and dangerous road conditions between November and March can make it physically unsafe for patients to travel for treatment. Rural roads that are passable when you’re healthy become hazardous when you’re recovering from chemotherapy or experiencing side effects that affect concentration and reaction time. Transportation programs and lodging assistance near major cancer centers are critical lifelines during the winter months for Iowa patients who live far from their treatment center.
Iowa’s older population — the state has one of the highest median ages in the country — means many cancer patients are managing their diagnosis alongside other chronic conditions, without family support nearby. Caregiver support and patient navigation services are especially important in this environment, particularly for older adults who may not be comfortable searching online for resources or don’t know what help is available to them.
The resources in this directory are organized starting with statewide programs available to any Iowa resident, then by regional area. Whether you need help with travel costs, lodging near a cancer center, emotional support, financial assistance, or guidance on Medicaid and other programs — the listings below are a practical starting point. Use the search or filters to find what fits your situation.
Filter by resource type or search by name, city, or keyword. New to a diagnosis? Start with Iowa 2-1-1 (dial 2-1-1) — navigators can connect you with local support in multiple languages.
Showing all 62 resources
Statewide Iowa Resources
University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center
📍 Iowa City, IA — Statewide
Iowa’s only NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center, offering advanced diagnosis, treatment, clinical trials, and comprehensive support services. Patient navigation, social work, and financial counseling are available to all patients regardless of location.
Who: All Iowa cancer patients and families
Cost: Varies by service; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
American Cancer Society – Iowa
📍 Statewide — Multiple offices
Provides free lodging at Hope Lodge (Iowa City), transportation assistance, a 24/7 helpline, and free wigs and prosthetics. Patient navigators help connect Iowans with local and national resources throughout treatment and survivorship.
Who: All cancer patients and caregivers in Iowa
Cost: Free; call 1-800-227-2345
Phone: 1-800-227-2345
Iowa Cancer Consortium
📍 Statewide — Des Moines, IA
A statewide coalition of cancer-related organizations focused on reducing the burden of cancer through prevention, early detection, and access to care. Connects Iowans to programs addressing cancer disparities in rural and underserved communities.
Who: Iowa residents affected by cancer; organizations and providers
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Iowa Medicaid Enterprise
📍 Statewide — Des Moines, IA
Iowa’s Medicaid program covers cancer treatment costs for eligible low-income residents, including chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and follow-up care. The Iowa Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program provides free treatment for uninsured women diagnosed through screening programs.
Who: Low-income Iowa residents meeting eligibility requirements
Cost: Free or low-cost based on income
Phone: 2-1-1
Leukemia & Lymphoma Society – Iowa Chapter
📍 Statewide — Iowa/Nebraska Chapter
Offers financial assistance for blood cancer patients, including co-pay assistance, travel stipends, and emergency funds. Patient education specialists provide personalized information and support for Iowans with leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and related blood cancers.
Who: Blood cancer patients and families in Iowa
Cost: Free assistance programs
Phone: 2-1-1
Iowa Department of Transportation – Passenger Transportation
📍 Statewide — Ames, IA
Coordinates transit assistance programs for Iowans including rural transit systems and medical transportation coordination. Regional transit agencies throughout the state provide rides to cancer treatment appointments for eligible residents.
Who: Iowa residents needing medical transportation
Cost: Varies; income-based assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Cancer Support Community – Iowa
📍 Statewide — Virtual & In-person
Provides free support groups, educational workshops, and wellness programs for cancer patients and caregivers. Online programs serve rural Iowans who cannot access in-person services, with disease-specific and general support groups available week-round.
Who: Cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers statewide
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Iowa Legal Aid
📍 Statewide — Multiple offices
Provides free civil legal assistance to low-income Iowans facing legal issues related to cancer, including insurance denials, disability claims, employment discrimination, and housing stability during treatment.
Who: Low-income Iowa cancer patients facing legal issues
Cost: Free for eligible clients
Phone: 2-1-1
Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs
📍 Statewide — Des Moines, IA
Helps Iowa veterans access VA healthcare benefits, disability compensation for service-related cancers (including Agent Orange and burn pit exposures), and connects veterans to the Iowa City and Des Moines VA medical centers for oncology care.
Who: Iowa veterans with cancer
Cost: Free for eligible veterans
Phone: 2-1-1
Four Oaks – Cancer Support for Families
📍 Statewide — Iowa City, IA
Partners with UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital to provide family support services for children with cancer and their families, including counseling, sibling support, and community resource navigation throughout Iowa.
Who: Children with cancer and their families statewide
Cost: Free for eligible families
Phone: 2-1-1
Susan G. Komen Iowa
Funds breast cancer research and provides direct patient assistance including treatment cost help, navigation services, and educational materials. The Iowa affiliate supports breast cancer patients statewide through grants and helpline services.
Who: Breast cancer patients and those at risk in Iowa
Cost: Free assistance programs
Phone: 2-1-1
Iowa Oncology Society
📍 Statewide — Iowa
Connects patients with oncology providers across Iowa and advocates for improved cancer care access, particularly in rural areas. The society’s provider directory helps patients find oncologists and cancer specialists near their communities.
Who: Iowa cancer patients seeking oncology care
Cost: Free referral services
Phone: 2-1-1
Des Moines & Central Iowa
MercyOne Des Moines Cancer Center
📍 Des Moines, IA
Offers comprehensive cancer care including medical oncology, radiation, surgery, and integrative oncology services. Patient navigators, social workers, and financial counselors assist patients throughout diagnosis and treatment at multiple Des Moines-area locations.
Who: Cancer patients in Des Moines and central Iowa
Cost: Varies; financial assistance and charity care available
Phone: 2-1-1
Iowa Methodist Medical Center – John Stoddard Cancer Center
📍 Des Moines, IA
A leading cancer center in central Iowa offering multidisciplinary cancer care, clinical trials, genetic counseling, and a full range of support services including patient navigation, mental health counseling, and a resource library for patients and families.
Who: Cancer patients and families in the Des Moines metro
Cost: Varies; financial counseling available
Phone: 2-1-1
Gilda’s Club Iowa
📍 Des Moines, IA
A welcoming community where people affected by cancer—patients, survivors, families, and friends—gather for free support groups, educational workshops, and social activities. Programs are available for adults and children at the Des Moines clubhouse.
Who: Anyone affected by cancer in the Des Moines area
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
DART (Des Moines Area Regional Transit)
📍 Des Moines, IA & Metro Area
Provides fixed-route bus service and paratransit (DART Plus) for people with disabilities throughout the Des Moines metro. DART Plus offers door-to-door medical transportation for cancer patients who cannot use fixed-route service.
Who: Des Moines metro residents needing medical transportation
Cost: Reduced fares available; income-based discounts
Phone: 2-1-1
Food Bank of Iowa
📍 Des Moines, IA — Statewide Distribution
Serves central Iowa and distributes food through a statewide network of partner agencies. Cancer patients facing food insecurity during treatment can access emergency food boxes, pantries, and mobile distributions throughout the Des Moines metro and beyond.
Who: Cancer patients and families experiencing food insecurity
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
VA Central Iowa Health Care System
📍 Des Moines, IA
Provides comprehensive oncology care to eligible veterans including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and palliative care. The PACT Act has expanded cancer care coverage for veterans exposed to toxic substances including burn pits and Agent Orange.
Who: Veterans enrolled in VA healthcare in central Iowa
Cost: Free or low-cost for eligible veterans
Phone: 2-1-1
Iowa Cancer Foundation
📍 Des Moines, IA
Provides financial grants to Iowa cancer patients to help cover treatment costs, medications, transportation, and daily living expenses during cancer treatment. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis for patients in active treatment.
Who: Iowa cancer patients in active treatment facing financial hardship
Cost: Free grants
Phone: 2-1-1
Blank Children’s Hospital – Pediatric Oncology
📍 Des Moines, IA
Offers comprehensive pediatric cancer care including oncology, hematology, stem cell transplant, and a full child life program. Families receive support through social workers, child life specialists, educational liaisons, and a dedicated family resource center.
Who: Children with cancer and their families in central Iowa
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Cedar Rapids & Eastern Iowa
UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Cancer Center
📍 Cedar Rapids, IA
Cedar Rapids’ primary cancer treatment center offering medical oncology, radiation therapy, surgical oncology, and palliative care. Patient navigators and financial counselors help patients access treatment and assistance throughout the cancer journey.
Who: Cancer patients in Cedar Rapids and eastern Iowa
Cost: Varies; charity care available
Phone: 2-1-1
MercyOne Cedar Rapids Cancer Care
📍 Cedar Rapids, IA
Provides cancer diagnosis and treatment with a multidisciplinary team including oncologists, surgeons, and radiation specialists. Social workers, nutritionists, and patient navigators support patients and families through the full course of cancer care.
Who: Cancer patients in the Cedar Rapids area
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Linn County Cancer Support Group
📍 Cedar Rapids, IA
Community-based cancer support group meeting regularly in Cedar Rapids for patients, survivors, and caregivers. Facilitators lead discussions on coping with cancer treatment side effects, emotional wellness, and connecting with community resources in eastern Iowa.
Who: Cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in Linn County
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Table to Table – Eastern Iowa Food Recovery
📍 Cedar Rapids, IA
Recovers and redistributes food to over 100 nonprofits in Linn County, many of which serve cancer patients and families. Connects individuals facing treatment-related food insecurity with meal programs, food pantries, and nutrition resources in Cedar Rapids.
Who: Cancer patients and families experiencing food insecurity in eastern Iowa
Cost: Free through partner agencies
Phone: 2-1-1
Cedar Rapids Transit
📍 Cedar Rapids, IA
Provides bus and paratransit services in Cedar Rapids, including Medicaid non-emergency medical transportation to cancer treatment appointments. Paratransit serves people with disabilities who cannot use fixed-route buses.
Who: Cedar Rapids residents needing transportation to cancer treatment
Cost: Reduced fares; Medicaid transportation may be free
Phone: 2-1-1
Iowa City & Johnson County
UI Hospitals & Clinics – Cancer Patient Support Services
📍 Iowa City, IA
Comprehensive support services at Iowa’s NCI-designated cancer center including oncology social work, financial counseling, spiritual care, clinical nutrition, palliative care, and integrative therapies. Patient navigators coordinate care and help with community resource connections.
Who: Cancer patients and families at UIHC
Cost: Many services free; clinical care varies
Phone: 2-1-1
American Cancer Society Hope Lodge – Iowa City
📍 Iowa City, IA
Provides free temporary lodging for cancer patients and their caregivers who must travel to Iowa City for treatment at UIHC. Hope Lodge removes the financial and logistical burden of hotel costs during extended treatment stays.
Who: Cancer patients and one caregiver traveling to Iowa City for treatment
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
UIHC Patient and Family Resource Center
📍 Iowa City, IA
A welcoming space within UIHC where cancer patients and families can access educational materials, computers, and guidance from resource specialists. Staff help connect patients with support services, financial assistance programs, and community resources.
Who: Patients and families at UIHC
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital – Pediatric Hematology/Oncology
📍 Iowa City, IA
Iowa’s premier pediatric cancer center offering state-of-the-art treatment for childhood cancers, clinical trials, and a full spectrum of family support services. Child life specialists, school liaison programs, and family resource navigators support children and families throughout treatment and survivorship.
Who: Children with cancer and their families
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Iowa Legal Aid – Iowa City Office
📍 Iowa City, IA
Provides free legal assistance to low-income Johnson County residents dealing with cancer-related legal issues including insurance appeals, disability claims, medical debt, and employment discrimination. Assists patients at UIHC who need legal help during treatment.
Who: Low-income cancer patients in Iowa City and Johnson County
Cost: Free for eligible clients
Phone: 2-1-1
Davenport & Quad Cities
Genesis Cancer Care Institute
📍 Davenport, IA
Provides comprehensive cancer care to patients in the Quad Cities region with services including medical oncology, radiation therapy, genetic counseling, and palliative care. Navigation and financial assistance help patients access care and manage treatment costs.
Who: Cancer patients in the Davenport and Quad Cities area
Cost: Varies; financial counseling available
Phone: 2-1-1
UnityPoint Health – Trinity Cancer Center
📍 Rock Island, IL (serves Iowa Quad Cities)
Serves Quad Cities cancer patients on both sides of the Mississippi River with oncology services, clinical trials, and patient support programs. Financial counselors, social workers, and navigators assist patients in accessing care and community resources.
Who: Cancer patients in the Quad Cities metro including eastern Iowa
Cost: Varies; charity care available
Phone: 2-1-1
River Bend Food Bank
📍 Davenport, IA
Serves 23 counties across Iowa and western Illinois with emergency food assistance. Cancer patients facing treatment-related food insecurity can access pantries, mobile distributions, and home-delivery programs through River Bend’s network of partner agencies.
Who: Cancer patients and families facing food insecurity in the Quad Cities region
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Quad Cities Cancer Support Group
📍 Davenport, IA
Community-based peer support group for cancer patients and survivors in the Davenport and Quad Cities area. Monthly meetings provide an opportunity to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and connect with others navigating cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Who: Cancer patients and survivors in Davenport and Quad Cities
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Sioux City & Western Iowa
MercyOne Siouxland Cancer Program
📍 Sioux City, IA
Serves cancer patients across western Iowa, eastern South Dakota, and northeast Nebraska with oncology, radiation therapy, and supportive services. Patient navigators and social workers coordinate care and help patients access financial assistance and community resources.
Who: Cancer patients in western Iowa and tri-state area
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Sioux City Cancer Services
📍 Sioux City, IA
Offers medical oncology, radiation therapy, and infusion services for cancer patients in Sioux City and surrounding communities. Social workers, financial counselors, and palliative care specialists help patients manage the challenges of cancer treatment in western Iowa.
Who: Cancer patients in Sioux City and western Iowa
Cost: Varies; financial counseling available
Phone: 2-1-1
Siouxland Food Bank
📍 Sioux City, IA
Provides emergency food assistance through pantries and distributions across northwest Iowa, northeast Nebraska, and southeast South Dakota. Cancer patients undergoing treatment who need nutritional support can access food resources through the Siouxland Food Bank network.
Who: Cancer patients experiencing food insecurity in western Iowa
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Siouxland Cancer Coalition
📍 Sioux City, IA
A regional coalition working to improve cancer care access, early detection, and support services for residents of western Iowa, northeast Nebraska, and southeast South Dakota. Connects patients with local resources and advocates for improved rural cancer care infrastructure.
Who: Cancer patients and residents in the Siouxland tri-state area
Cost: Free referral services
Phone: 2-1-1
Waterloo & Cedar Valley
UnityPoint Health – Allen Cancer Center
📍 Waterloo, IA
Provides medical oncology, radiation therapy, and palliative care for cancer patients in northeast Iowa and the Cedar Valley region. Patient navigation, social work, and financial counseling services help patients access care and community support throughout treatment.
Who: Cancer patients in Waterloo and northeast Iowa
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Black Hawk County Cancer Support
📍 Waterloo, IA
Community support network for cancer patients and caregivers in Black Hawk County. Coordinates peer support, volunteer visitor programs, and practical help for patients undergoing treatment at Waterloo-area hospitals and clinics.
Who: Cancer patients and caregivers in Black Hawk County
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Northeast Iowa Food Bank
📍 Waterloo, IA
Distributes food to over 200 partner agencies across northeast Iowa. Cancer patients and families facing food insecurity during treatment can access pantries, mobile distributions, and home delivery programs throughout the Waterloo and Cedar Valley region.
Who: Cancer patients facing food insecurity in northeast Iowa
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Dubuque & Northeast Iowa
MercyOne Dubuque Cancer Center
📍 Dubuque, IA
Provides cancer care for patients in the tri-state area of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Services include medical oncology, radiation therapy, infusion, and palliative care, with social work and financial counseling to support patients throughout the cancer journey.
Who: Cancer patients in Dubuque and the tri-state area
Cost: Varies; financial assistance available
Phone: 2-1-1
Dubuque Area Cancer Support Group
📍 Dubuque, IA
Monthly peer support group for cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in Dubuque County. A trained facilitator leads discussions covering emotional coping, treatment side effects, and accessing local support services in northeast Iowa.
Who: Cancer patients, survivors, and caregivers in Dubuque County
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Mediacom Dubuque MetroSTAR Transit
📍 Dubuque, IA
Dubuque’s public transit system providing bus and paratransit services throughout the city, including medical transportation to cancer treatment centers. Reduced fares and paratransit options are available for seniors and people with disabilities.
Who: Dubuque residents needing transportation to medical appointments
Cost: Reduced fares available
Phone: 2-1-1
Rural Iowa
Iowa Rural Health Association
📍 Statewide — Rural Iowa
Advocates for improved healthcare access for rural Iowans and connects rural cancer patients with transportation assistance, telehealth programs, and local health resources. Works with critical access hospitals to strengthen cancer screening and navigation programs in underserved counties.
Who: Rural Iowa cancer patients and families
Cost: Free referral and navigation services
Phone: 2-1-1
Iowa Community Action Agencies
📍 Statewide — Rural Iowa
A network of local community action agencies across Iowa providing transportation, energy assistance, food, and financial services. Cancer patients in rural Iowa can access rides to treatment, utility bill help during treatment, and emergency financial assistance through county-level agencies.
Who: Low-income rural Iowa cancer patients
Cost: Free for eligible residents
Phone: 2-1-1
Iowa Farmers with Cancer Network
📍 Rural Iowa — Statewide
Supports Iowa farm families dealing with cancer by connecting them with peer farmers who have faced cancer, farm management resources, and financial assistance programs. Addresses the unique challenges of continuing farm operations during cancer treatment and recovery.
Who: Iowa farm families dealing with cancer diagnosis
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Iowa State University Extension – Cancer Education
📍 Statewide — Ames, IA
ISU Extension county offices throughout Iowa provide cancer education, health screenings, and connections to community resources. Extension educators in rural counties help residents understand cancer prevention and link patients with treatment and support programs.
Who: Rural Iowans seeking cancer education and resource connections
Cost: Free education programs
Phone: 2-1-1
Iowa ABLE Foundation
📍 Rural Iowa
Provides vehicle modifications, transportation grants, and independent living support for Iowans with disabilities including those affected by cancer. Helps patients in rural areas who need adapted vehicles or transportation assistance to reach cancer treatment centers.
Who: Cancer patients with disabilities needing transportation support in rural Iowa
Cost: Free assessment; grants available
Phone: 2-1-1
Telehealth Alliance of Iowa
📍 Statewide — Rural Iowa
Coordinates telehealth services connecting rural Iowa cancer patients with oncology specialists, mental health counselors, and support services without requiring long drives. Particularly valuable for patients in small towns and farming communities far from major cancer centers.
Who: Rural Iowa cancer patients needing remote specialty care
Cost: Varies by provider; many covered by insurance
Phone: 2-1-1
Muscatine County Cancer Coalition
📍 Muscatine, IA
Addresses the elevated cancer rates in Muscatine County linked to industrial environmental exposures by connecting residents with cancer screening, financial assistance, and support services. Works to reduce disparities in cancer outcomes for this river corridor community.
Who: Cancer patients and at-risk residents in Muscatine County
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Iowa BreastCancerConnect
📍 Rural Iowa — Statewide
Connects Iowa women diagnosed with breast cancer to peer support, financial assistance resources, and navigation services. Particularly supports women in rural areas who face geographic barriers to care and community support programs.
Who: Iowa women with breast cancer, especially in rural areas
Cost: Free
Phone: 2-1-1
Iowa Wellstone Mental Health Program
📍 Rural Iowa — Statewide
Provides mental health services and counseling for Iowans dealing with serious illness including cancer. Rural-accessible counseling via telehealth addresses depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorders common during cancer treatment in communities with limited mental health providers.
Who: Iowa cancer patients needing mental health support
Cost: Sliding scale; insurance accepted
Phone: 2-1-1
Disclaimer: This directory is provided for informational purposes only. The Cancer Education Foundation does not endorse any specific organization and cannot guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or current availability of the resources listed. Contact each organization directly to confirm eligibility, services, and availability. This is not medical advice. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.