Nassif Community Cancer Center

06/05/2026

Cancer care shouldn’t be defined by how far you live from a city. On Rural Cancer Awareness Day, we recognize the unique challenges rural communities face when it comes to cancer prevention, treatment and survivorship.

At the Nassif Community Cancer Center, we're committed to bringing high-quality cancer care closer to home. Through our dedicated local care team, specialized partnerships and transportation assistance supported in part by the Community Cancer Center Spirit Fund and a grant from the American Cancer Society, we're helping reduce barriers to care.

We're also reaching communities across Eastern Iowa through our Community Cancer Education Program, sharing information about cancer screenings, nutrition, exercise and prevention to help reduce cancer risk and support early detection.

Because everyone deserves the right support and care—right where they live. 💛

Learn more about patient support >> https://bit.ly/HGNPatientSupport
Learn more about the Community Cancer Education Program >> https://bit.ly/CommunityCancerEducationProgram

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Image descriptions:
1. A woman participates in a supervised exercise session using a leg press machine in a rehabilitation gym. Matt Schmitz, cancer exercise specialist, stands beside her, offering instruction and support.
2. Melissa Janssen, genetics nurse practitioner, sits at a table and writes notes while speaking with a patient. The patient is seated nearby and engaged in the conversation.
3. Dr. Jessica Parkhurst, radiation oncologist, sits across from a patient and a companion in a clinic office. The provider smiles while engaging in conversation, creating a welcoming and supportive environment.

06/03/2026

A simple question sparked a research project that is now helping support cancer patients at the Nassif Community Cancer Center.

Learn how a collaboration between cancer care providers, palliative care and Coe College students explored the use of cryotherapy to help reduce chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy — and how the findings are already impacting patient care.

Read more 👇

A simple question helped spark a research project at the Community Cancer Center that is helping support cancer patients during chemotherapy.

05/29/2026

Congratulations to several St. Luke's Nassif Radiation Center team members who were recently recognized with Guardian Angel Awards!

From their nominator: Thank you for the incredible expertise, compassion, and care you provide every day. From the very beginning, you made a difficult situation feel manageable. I may be able to rig up a tractor, but I sure can’t cure cancer — and seeing the skill and teamwork you bring to your patients every day is truly remarkable. Thank you for the kindness, the laughs, and the way you made treatment feel less overwhelming and even enjoyable at times. We will never forget it!

Team members honored: Michael, Auburn, Kelli, Amanda, Joan, Lisa, Abby, Cheryl, Mian, Ali and Dr. Jessica Parkhurst.

The Guardian Angel program gives patients and families the opportunity to make a donation in appreciation of a physician, team member, volunteer or department that made a difference in their healthcare experience. Would you like to recognize one of our caregivers? Nominate them for a Guardian Angel Award! >> https://bit.ly/HGNCCC-GuardianAngel

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Image description: Radiation center team members pose together in a conference room while being recognized as Guardian Angels.

05/27/2026

What classes would you like to see added to our exercise class schedule? Join us for Trial Tuesdays this June at the Nassif Community Cancer Center!

Each Tuesday, patients can try a different exercise class and share feedback to help shape future programming. Classes will be held Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. – Noon in the Wellness Center.

Trial Tuesday Schedule:
• June 2 – Strong Bodies, Better Bones (Beginner)
• June 9 – Beginner Pilates
• June 16 – Strong Bodies, Better Bones with Acceleration
• June 23 – Mat Pilates (Intermediate)
• June 30 – Chair Dancing

Learn more at communitycancercenter.org/events.

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Image description: Graphic announcing "Trial Tuesdays" where patients can try a new class each Tuesday in June and provide feedback on which classes they'd like added to the regular schedule. The design includes a photo of a woman exercising, the center’s logo and website, and a purple background.

05/25/2026

The Nassif Community Cancer Center is closed today in honor of Memorial Day. All classes and open gym are cancelled.

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Image description: Graphic stating the Nassif Community Cancer Center is closed for Memorial Day and that all classes and open gym are cancelled. The design includes American flags, the center’s logo and website, and a purple background.

05/22/2026

For those who are craving a spicy snack, these quick and easy buffalo cauliflower bites are oncology-dietitian approved!

Cook Time: 25 minutes 4 servings Ingredients: Instructions: Notes: To cook cauliflower in an oven, bake in a single layer at 450°F (230°C) for about 25 minutes. Makes 4 servings […]

05/22/2026

-Thank you to Wells Fargo for setting up a bracelet-making station for a day at one of their local branches to give employees a simple, hands-on way to give back through the Gems of Hope program. Using provided materials and instructions, staff created beautiful bracelets for local cancer patients at a time that worked for them during their workday!

If you'd like to have a self-lead Gems of Hope workshop at your business or organization, submit a request >> https://bit.ly/RequestAGOHWorkshop

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Image description: Two photos show a group of women participating in a bracelet-making activity in a community room. They are seated around tables filled with organized bins of colorful beads and supplies, smiling and working together in a casual, hands-on workshop setting.

05/21/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Rasa Buntinas with Physicians' Clinic of Iowa P.C. Hematology and Oncology, who was recently recognized with Guardian Angel Award!

From her nomination: "Thank you on behalf of our family for your excellent care and kindness during our family member's cancer treatment. Dr. Buntinas is truly a guardian angel."

The Guardian Angel program gives patients and families the opportunity to make a donation in appreciation of a physician, team member, volunteer or department that made a difference in their healthcare experience. Would you like to recognize one of our caregivers? Nominate them for a Guardian Angel Award! >> https://bit.ly/HGNCCC-GuardianAngel

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Image description: Cancer center team members pose together in a medical office lobby while Dr. Buntinas holds her Guardian Angel certificate.

05/18/2026

No one facing cancer should have to worry about how they’ll afford groceries or get to treatment. The Spirit Fund helps patients focus on what matters most—their health and healing.

Read more about the impact and how you can support local patients.

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Image description: A provider supports a patient’s arm during infusion treatment while they speak, with medical equipment in the background.

A cancer diagnosis changes…everything. So many questions, so much to decide. What kind of treatment will you have? Can you still work? How will your loved ones be affected? And […]

05/15/2026

Here's a healthy fruit pizza recipe recommended by our oncology dietitians!

Cook Time: 10 minutes Ingredients: Instructions: