Joining forces to address Iowa’s climbing cancer rates

Earlier this year, a patient named Melanie provided our team with feedback that encompassed our philosophy at Mission. In a heartfelt message providing thanks to her care team, she shared this statement:  

“You should all be very proud of what you have made – a center where people with a cancer diagnosis can be enveloped with knowledge, warmth, support, laughter, and life. As far as I am concerned, it is one of the best places in the nation for cancer care.” 

Our mission for more than 40 years has been to provide patients with world-class, comprehensive cancer care and personalized treatment plans in a compassionate and trusting environment close to home. It is our “why” and describes why all 200+ of our team members come to work every day.  

We work hard to fulfill that mission, for patients like Melanie and thousands more. Our current environment, however, is a challenging one. Iowa has the second highest and fastest growing cancer rate in the United States. In 2024, 21,000 Iowans will receive a cancer diagnosis, and 6,100 Iowans will lose their lives to cancer, according to the Iowa Cancer Consortium 2023 Annual Report. Despite being the largest provider of cancer treatment with a network of 22 locations in communities across the state, Iowa’s need to improve access to care has never been more critical.

Today, we are proud to announce our intent to become part of University of Iowa Health Care. Together, our new vision is to create a comprehensive community-connected cancer care network uniquely positioned to tackle Iowa’s high cancer rates – and we will do that based on our combined commitment to the highest-quality cancer care provided by Iowans, for Iowans, close to home.  

Our current patients will continue to have access to care at existing Mission locations, with the added benefit, if needed, of enhanced resources from the state’s only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center at UI Health Care. Together, we will form the most experienced cancer care teams in Iowa.  

This agreement brings two fiscally strong organizations together and promotes new levels of collaboration in cancer care, research, and education across the state. We will continue to foster our long-standing and trusted partnerships with health systems and hospitals while expanding access to cancer care for all Iowans, especially those in rural areas. We look forward to sharing more as we work together to battle cancer in Iowa. 

 

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