Nassif Community Cancer Center

03/31/2026

Are colonoscopies painful? Do you need one if you don't have a family history? Is the prep really that bad?

Dr. Doug Purdy, St. Luke's Gastroenterologist, answers these questions and debunks other common colonoscopy and colon cancer myths.

Doug Purdy, MD, with UnityPoint Health – St. Luke’s Gastroenterology, dispels common myths around colonoscopies and colon cancer.

03/30/2026

Today is Doctors’ Day and we’re celebrating our physicians for the many ways they help, heal, care and lead. We recognize the years of training and dedication they’ve put in to get where they are today, and the amazing work, sacrifices and victories made along the way. They help create exceptional experiences for their patients and lead our organization with unity and excellence.

03/27/2026

Thanks to all who attended our cooking demonstration yesterday! The theme was "Shoot for Fiber!" and our oncology dietitians Beth and Chloe shared how to make a variety of delicious, high-fiber foods including Moroccan chickpea salad, buffalo cauliflower, teriyaki cauliflower, whole grain crackers and cheese, and fruit pizza with a whole wheat and oatmeal crust!

03/26/2026

"Survivorship care visits are very important...Cancer treatment isn't over when the chemo is done or the radiation is done."

Patients at the Nassif Community Cancer Center meet with their care coordinator at or near the end of treatment to discuss their survivorship care plan. Learn more about survivorship services >> https://www.communitycancercenter.org/clinics/survivorship/

03/26/2026

Members of our team recently presented to members of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, as part of our Community Cancer Center Education Program. We covered a range of topics including cancer screening and prevention, the importance of exercise and more.

If you'd like our team to present on cancer-related topics with your group or organization, call (319) 369-8100 to schedule.

03/25/2026

Great information from Dr. Purdy!

If you are 45 years or older, talk to your primary care provider today about scheduling your screening colonoscopy with St. Luke’s Gastroenterology, or fill out this form to request a colonoscopy >> https://uph.link/Gastroenterology-Screening-Form

03/24/2026

Multiple-time marathon runner Phil Decker seemed the picture of health. Yet in January 2022, he became part of a growing and alarming trend: people under 50 being diagnosed with colon cancer. Instead of letting the diagnosis define him, Decker has used it to raise awareness about screening colonoscopies locally and nationally.

Instead of letting his colon cancer diagnosis define him, Decker has used it to raise awareness locally and nationally.

03/24/2026

03/19/2026

03/18/2026

Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described in this article, it is best to talk to your doctor. It could be nothing, but it is worth the peace of mind by getting checked out.

Excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in the United States. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described in this article, it is […]

03/17/2026

Dr. Douglas Purdy, gastroenterologist with St. Luke’s Gastroenterology, shares what you need to know about colon cancer signs, symptoms and screening.

Dr. Douglas Purdy with St. Luke’s Gastroenterology shares what you need to know about colon cancer signs, symptoms and screening.

03/16/2026

THANK YOU, Eastern Iowa! Thanks to your generosity, the 2026 Hope Blooms campaign was a huge success with nearly $55,000 raised to benefit cancer patients in our community!

In total, a combined 2,757 daffodils, stuffed animals, blankets, gardening gloves were purchased or donated through the campaign, as well 140+ individuals impacted by cancer honored by a loved one who made a purchase. Thank you for helping us bring hope to our community!