At MercyOne, we understand that sometimes life takes an unexpected turn. If you are diagnosed with cancer, we offer advanced cancer care, close to home. Our personalized approach creates individualized treatment plans designed to optimize your well-being and minimize side effects. Our team of experts and specialists uses the latest technology and treatment options, ensuring you receive the best care.
Cancer Specialties
- Cancerous brain tumor
- Breast cancer
- Cervical, ovarian and vaginal cancer
- Head & neck cancer
- Liver, pancreatic, stomach and esophageal cancer
- Colorectal (colon) cancer
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Skin cancer
Cancer Screening and Prevention
Early detection is crucial in the fight against cancer and regular screenings are your best defense. Ask your doctor when you should start screening, how often to screen and what type of screening is right for you.
Recommended cancer screenings:
- Breast Cancer: Mammograms and clinical breast exams are generally recommended starting at age 40, with frequency depending on your individual risk.
- Cervical Cancer: Pap tests, HPV tests, or a combination test are recommended starting at age 21.
- Prostate Cancer: A digital rectal exam (DRE) and/or a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test may be recommended, typically starting around age 50.
- Colon Cancer: Colonoscopies or stool tests are recommended beginning at age 45.
- Lung Cancer: A low-dose CT scan might be recommended for high-risk individuals (age 50-77 with significant smoking history). Ask your doctor if you qualify.
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Cancer Care
What happens after an abnormal mammogram? Your questions answered
Find out what happens after an abnormal mammogram, from follow‑up imaging to next steps and answers to common questions.
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Cancer Care
Breast cancer: Signs, symptoms and risks
Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women. Recognizing the signs of breast cancer and knowing your risk factors is essential for your long-term breast health.
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Cancer Patient Stories
Shelly Speakman, Lung Cancer - Patient Story
It was a blessed day when Shelly Speakman received a letter offering her a free CT lung cancer screening. A smoker since age 12, she knew 50 years of smoking put her at high risk for lung cancer. She thought “Sure, why not?”
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Cancer Care
Mammogram FAQs: Your questions answered
Getting a mammogram for the first time can seem overwhelming, but knowing all the information about the exam beforehand helps to quell any anxiety you may have.
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Cancer Care
How genetics and BRCA genes affect your breast cancer risk
Learn how genetics and BRCA1/BRCA2 mutations affect breast cancer risk, who should consider genetic testing and prevention options.
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Cancer Care
What you need to know about skin cancer
One in five Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. The good news? Skin cancer is preventable and highly treatable when caught early. Discover everything you need to know about skin cancer.
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Prevention
Tips to help protect your skin this summer
Protecting your skin from the sun is an important step in preventing skin cancer. From picking the right sunscreen to when to reapply, discover tips on how to protect your skin from sun damage in the summertime.
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Cancer Patient Stories
Pat Finan - Prostate Cancer Survivor, Patient Story
At age 56, Pat was diagnosed with prostate cancer. Thanks to the accuracy from CyberKnife radiation at MercyOne Richard Deming Cancer Center, Pat had a personalized and innovative treatment option.
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Cancer Care
Six steps to lower your lung cancer risk
Some risk factors for lung cancer like family history you can’t avoid. However, lifestyle changes and protecting yourself against certain exposures can lower your lung cancer risk. Hint: If you smoke, quit.
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Cancer Patient Stories
Amy Haiar - Colon Cancer, Patient Story
Turned away from donating blood due to low iron, Amy Haiar of Davenport would later have a colonoscopy that detected a concerning spot in her colon. It was New Year’s Eve Day 2021, and she was only 39 at the time.
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Cancer Care
Signs and symptoms of lung cancer
Knowing the signs can help catch lung cancer at an early stage, when treatment is most successful. Look for a persistent cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, hoarseness or frequent lung infections.
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Cancer Care
What you need to know about colorectal cancer
Did you know you can prevent colorectal cancer? A polyp can take five to 10 years to develop into cancer. With a colonoscopy, doctors can find and remove polyps before they have the chance to turn into cancer.
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