Iowa

4th Angel Mentoring Program

Nationwide

Free one-on-one phone mentoring that pairs patients and caregivers with trained volunteers who have been there.

Peer SupportEmotional Support

Abben Cancer Center, Spencer Hospital

Spencer, Iowa

Delivers compassionate, comprehensive cancer care, including medical oncology, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and supportive services, so patients in northwest Iowa can receive diagnosis, treatment, and ongoing support close to home. Provides oncology and hematology services at Spencer Hospital with personalized care and after-hours support for urgent needs.

PhysicalEmotionalEducation

Above + Beyond Cancer

West Des Moines, Iowa

Above + Beyond Cancer elevates the mind, body, and spirit of patients, survivors, and caregivers throughout the cancer journey. The organization offers free health and wellness classes including yoga, strength training, meditation, and nutrition workshops, along with a hotel program providing lodging assistance for patients traveling for treatment.

EmotionalPhysicalEducation+1

ACS Cancer Action Network

Nationwide

The American Cancer Society's advocacy affiliate, fighting for laws and policies that help cancer patients and families.

PolicyAdvocacy

Action to Cure Kidney Cancer

Nationwide

Provides education, community support, and research funding for kidney cancer.

EducationCommunity SupportResearch

After Cancer - Solutions for Sexual Health

Iowa City, Iowa

After Cancer is a non-profit organization dedicated to the mission that all patients impacted by cancer will receive screening for sexual health side effects as part of their care. Started as a collaboration with oncology clinicians and experts in sexual health medicine, the organization now provides educational programs for healthcare professionals and care team members on addressing the issues of their patients.

EducationEmotional

Aim at Melanoma Foundation

Nationwide

Provides patient education, support resources, and melanoma research support.

EducationSupport ResourcesResearch

Aiming For A Cure Foundation

Iowa City, Iowa

The Aiming For A Cure Foundation supports children and families dealing with cancer by funding research, covering non-insured expenses, and improving patient care quality. The organization partners with multiple hospitals and programs to provide financial assistance, holiday parties, educational programs, and memory-making activities for pediatric oncology patients and their families.

ResearchFinancialExperiences+1

Air Care Alliance

Nationwide

A central listing of free volunteer air transport groups serving patients nationwide.

Transportation

Air Charity Network

Nationwide

Volunteer pilots providing free air transportation to distant medical care.

Transportation

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

Nationwide

Provides travel funding, family support programs, research funding, and clinical trial support for childhood cancer families.

Travel FundingFamily SupportResearch+1

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation Summer Camps

Nationwide

A nationwide directory of summer camps for children with cancer and their families, maintained by Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.

Camps

AliveAndKickn

Nationwide

Advocacy and education for families affected by Lynch syndrome and hereditary colorectal cancer.

AwarenessHereditary Testing

American Academy of Dermatology

Nationwide

Provides free skin cancer screenings, education, and access to dermatology specialists.

ScreeningsPhysician NetworkEducation

American Academy of Oral Medicine

Nationwide

Provides specialist access and oral medicine expertise.

Specialist DirectoryClinical Expertise

American Association for Cancer Research

Nationwide

The world's largest professional organization dedicated to preventing and curing cancer through research.

EducationResearch

American Brain Tumor Association

Nationwide

Provides care consultants, support groups, education, and patient and caregiver resources nationwide.

HelplineCare ConsultantsSupport Groups+2

American Cancer Society

Nationwide

Provides helpline support, rides to treatment, Hope Lodge lodging, support groups, education, financial guidance, survivorship resources, and advocacy for all cancers.

HelplineRides To TreatmentLodging+12

American Cancer Society Hope Lodge, Iowa City

Iowa City, Iowa

he American Cancer Society Hope Lodge program provides a free home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers. More than just a roof over their heads, it’s a nurturing community that helps patients access the care they need. Each Hope Lodge community offers a supportive, homelike environment where guests can share a meal, join in the evening’s activities, or unwind in their own private room.

Housing

American Cancer Society tlc

Nationwide

The ACS catalog of low-cost wigs, hats, and mastectomy products designed for people in treatment.

Products

American Cancer Society, Iowa

West Des Moines, Iowa

The American Cancer Society has programs and services to help you manage cancer treatment and recovery and find the emotional support you need. And best of all, our help is free. Find programs and services in Iowa.

EducationEmotionalAdvocacy+1

American Childhood Cancer Organization

Nationwide

Provides family support resources, education, and advocacy for childhood cancer.

Family SupportEducationAdvocacy+2

American Head and Neck Society

Nationwide

Provides treatment standards and a physician network for expert head and neck cancer care.

Specialist DirectoryTreatment StandardsPhysician Network

American Institute for Cancer Research

Nationwide

Research and education on how diet, weight, and activity affect cancer risk and survivorship.

EducationNutritionAdvocacy+3

American Liver Foundation

Nationwide

Provides liver-related support, education, helpline access, and navigation resources.

Patient SupportEducationHelpline+4

American Lung Association

Nationwide

Provides education, Better Breathers support groups, prevention resources, and screening awareness.

Support GroupsEducationPrevention+2

American Sexual Health Association

Nationwide

Provides HPV education, prevention information, screening guidance, and cervical cancer-related resources.

HPV EducationPreventionScreening Guidance+1

American Thyroid Association

Nationwide

Provides patient education, expert resources, and access to thyroid specialists.

Clinical GuidelinesExpert ResourcesPhysician Network+1

APG Foundation

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

The APG Foundation assists local Iowans with cancer by providing financial help to reduce barriers to treatment and related needs. It focuses on supporting patients across several eastern Iowa counties through charitable giving and assistance programs. The APG Cancer Foundation’s mission is to provide financial assistance to people diagnosed with cancer and to help them obtain medications and prosthetics.

FinancialFoundations

Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation

Nationwide

Provides education, support, community, and conferences for rare blood cancers and disorders.

EducationSupportPatient Conferences+2

Austin Strong Foundation

Monticello, Iowa

The Austin Strong Foundation funds research for DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma), advocates for awareness of pediatric cancer, and provides support systems to families affected by childhood cancer. The organization partners with hospitals and other foundations to advance research while also supporting families currently fighting for their children's lives.

ResearchAdvocacyEmotional

Avery Foundation

Dubuque, Iowa

The Avery Foundation provides financial assistance to cancer patients and their families to help cover unexpected expenses and incidental costs related to cancer treatments. The organization awards grants to alleviate financial stress and burden during cancer treatment and recovery.

FinancialFoundations

Basser Center for BRCA

Nationwide

The first center devoted to BRCA-related cancers, with research, education, and patient resources.

EducationHereditary Testing

Be The Match

Nationwide

Provides marrow donor registry services, patient navigation, and financial grants for transplant patients.

Donor RegistryFinancial GrantsPatient Navigation+1

Beat Cancer Today

Swisher, Iowa

Beat Cancer Today creates awareness of childhood cancers and provides financial support for childhood cancer research, scholarships, and patient and family support programs. The organization was formed by Iowa families whose children have been diagnosed with childhood cancer and raises funds through apparel sales and special events.

ResearchScholarshipsFinancial+1

Believe In Tomorrow Children's Foundation

Nationwide

Over 900,000 overnight accommodations provided to families of critically ill children from every state. Hospital housing near Johns Hopkins continues through an interim Residence Inn partnership while a new facility is built, alongside free respite houses in Maryland, Delaware, and North Carolina.

Family SupportHousing

Beth Ball Golf

Arnolds Park, Iowa

Beth Ball Golf organizes an annual golf tournament held in honor of Bethany Huseman, who passed away from angiosarcoma in 2018. The organization raises funds through this event to support sarcoma research at the University of Iowa Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, with 100% of proceeds going directly to cancer research.

FundraisersResearch

Beyond Pink TEAM

Waterloo, Iowa

Beyond Pink TEAM provides breast cancer prevention, education, support, and advocacy for comprehensive, quality care in the Cedar Valley and surrounding communities. The organization offers physical, emotional, community, financial, and caregiver support services along with online education and advocacy programs. They focus on igniting cancer conversations and ensuring access to quality care for all breast cancer patients and their families.

EducationEmotionalAdvocacy+2

Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network

Nationwide

Provides nationwide support groups, survivor matching, a bladder cancer helpline, education, webinars, research funding, and advocacy.

Support GroupsSurvivor MatchingHelpline+4

Blood Cancer United (Leukemia & Lymphoma Society)

Nationwide

Provides financial assistance, patient navigation, support groups, education, and clinical trial navigation across blood cancers.

Financial AssistancePatient NavigationSupport Groups+10

Blue Faery

Nationwide

Provides liver cancer support, education, awareness, and outreach.

Patient SupportEducationAwareness+1

Brain Tumor Network

Nationwide

Offers personalized navigation, support, and resources for brain tumor patients.

NavigationSupport ServicesResources

Bras for the Cause

West Des Moines, Iowa

Bras for the Cause supports Iowa communities by providing mammograms and cervical screenings to low-income and underinsured individuals. The organization focuses on early detection education and awareness initiatives for breast and cervical cancers throughout the state of Iowa.

Prevention & ScreeningEducation

Breast Cancer Research Foundation

Nationwide

Funds major breast cancer research and scientific breakthroughs.

ResearchInnovationEducation

Breast Cancer Survivors of the Tri-States

Dubuque, Iowa

Breast Cancer Survivors of the Tri-States provides funding to local organizations supporting breast cancer patients and survivors. The organization focuses on helping those affected by breast cancer who are in financial need and has distributed tens of thousands of dollars since 2010. The fund aims to make a difference in the life of breast cancer survivors and their families by easing financial burdens.

FinancialFoundations

Camp Heart Connection

Johnston, Iowa

Week long overnight camps for children affected by cancer and for their siblings, plus year round family programs from Children's Cancer Connection.

Camps

Camp Kesem Iowa

Iowa

Free overnight summer camps run by college student volunteers for kids ages 6 to 18 whose parent has or has had cancer.

Camps

Camp Mak-A-Dream

Nationwide

Free, medically supervised Montana camp programs for children, teens, and adults affected by cancer.

Community ProgramsCamps

Camp Quality Heartland

Iowa

Five days of summer camping, special events, and support for children with cancer and their families, at no cost.

Camps

Camp Quality USA

Nationwide

Free summer camps and year-round programs for children with cancer and their families.

Camps

Camp Sunshine

Nationwide

Year round retreats in Casco, Maine for children with life threatening illnesses and their entire families, serving families from all 50 states free of charge.

CampsFamily Support

Can Do Cancer

Ankeny, Iowa

Can Do Cancer works to improve the lives of breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment in Des Moines, Ames and surrounding areas. The organization 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.

EmotionalProducts

Cancer Companions

West Des Moines, Iowa

Cancer Companions provides faith-based support for cancer patients and their families through Bible studies, prayer partners, and support groups. The organization offers spiritual resources, devotionals, and volunteer-led programs to help individuals navigate their cancer journey with community support.

EmotionalEducation

Cancer Financial Assistance Coalition

Nationwide

A coalition database that matches patients to financial assistance programs by diagnosis and zip code.

Financial Assistance

Cancer for College

Nationwide

College scholarships for cancer survivors and patients pursuing higher education.

Scholarships

Cancer Hope Network

Nationwide

One-on-one peer support matching patients and caregivers with trained survivor volunteers.

Peer SupportEmotional Support

Cancer Research Institute

Nationwide

The pioneer of cancer immunotherapy research, funding science that harnesses the immune system.

EducationResearch

Cancer Support Community

Nationwide

Provides free emotional and practical support, helpline access, virtual and in-person support groups, education, survivorship programs, and advocacy.

Emotional SupportPractical SupportHelpline+5

Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois

Davenport, Iowa

Cancer Support Community Iowa and NW Illinois provides free support services to cancer patients and their families through evidence-based programming including support groups, healthy lifestyle workshops, social activities, and educational lectures. The organization serves adults, children, and teens affected by cancer, building community connections to show that community is stronger than cancer.

EmotionalEducationCamps

What's Happening Near You

Trusted cancer support groups, wellness classes and practical help across Iowa.

Near & Now

This Week in Iowa

Updated today. Iowa’s Near & Now highlights 12 trusted support options, including recurring groups, family programs, retreat space, practical help and pediatric support.

Featured Support

Peer Support Group for Oncology Patients

Bliss Cancer Center

Ames, IA·In person·Free

A welcoming weekly space for oncology patients to share experiences and feel less alone.

Cedar Rapids, IA·In person·Check details

Especially for You Breast Cancer Support Group

Hall-Perrine Cancer Center

A monthly connection point for women with breast or gynecological cancer experience.

Davenport, IA·Check details·No-cost

No-Cost Cancer Support Community Programs

Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois

A community-based option for emotional support, education, healthy lifestyle activities and family connection.

Helpful Right Now

Des Moines, IA·In person and virtual options·Free options listed

Cancer Support Groups

John Stoddard Cancer Center

A local class and support-group listing with options for patients, caregivers and families.

Carroll, IA·In person·Free options listed

Cancer Support Group

St. Anthony Regional Hospital

A steady local group for people affected by cancer to connect with others nearby.

Davenport, IA·Check details·No-cost

For Families

Youth and Family Support

Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois

Support for children, teens and families when cancer is affecting home life.

Davenport, IA·In person and virtual options·No-cost

Support Services

Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois

A welcoming support hub with group, family and social programs for people affected by cancer.

Davenport, IA·In person and virtual options·No-cost

Learn

Educational Workshops

Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois

Practical learning sessions for people who want information and connection in a supportive setting.

Coralville, IA·In person·Check details

Cedar Rapids-Iowa City Ostomy Support Group

Cedar Rapids-Iowa City Area Ostomy Support Group

Education and peer support for people living with or preparing for an ostomy, including caregivers.

Des Moines, IA·In person·Free

For Families

Nature Sanctuary Hideaways

Jesse J. Sanctuary Foundation

A quiet retreat option where Iowa patients and families can rest and make meaningful memories.

Ankeny, IA·Local practical support·Check details

Open Now

Chemo Day Meals and Home Help

Can Do Cancer

Practical help for breast cancer patients during chemotherapy, including meals and home support.

Eldridge, IA·Local practical support·Check details

For Families

Pediatric Care Packages and Family Support

Hudson Strong Foundation

Care packages and emotional support for pediatric cancer patients, siblings and caregivers in Iowa.

Available nationwide·Virtual·Free

Available Across the Country

National support that residents of Iowa can use too.

Apply

Copay and Medication Assistance

CancerCare

Help with copays and medication costs for eligible patients, available across the country.

Available nationwide·Virtual·Free

Connect

Free Oncology Counseling

CancerCare

Free, confidential counseling with licensed oncology social workers, by phone or online.

Available nationwide·In person·Free

Open Now

Road to Recovery Rides

American Cancer Society

Free rides to treatment from trained volunteer drivers where the program is available.