University of Iowa Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center

01/09/2026

♥️⚡️We are incredibly thankful for FIGHT WITH FLASH for their continued support of our University of Iowa Adolescent and Young Adult - AYA Cancer Program.

This year’s generous donation of $122,022.22 helps advance research and care for AYA patients and their families.

01/07/2026

In 2020, Sharon — a Waterloo nurse who had spent years caring for patients after lung surgery — found herself on the receiving end of care when a screening test detected early-stage lung cancer.

She turned to our cardiothoracic surgery teams, who performed a robotic-assisted procedure to remove part of her lung and nearby lymph nodes. Thanks to the minimally invasive approach, Sharon was able to go home just three days later.

Today, five years later, her cancer has not returned. Sharon is considered cured. 💛 Read her story at the link in the comments.

12/29/2025

🎨 Art can tell powerful stories. We invite you to experience the cancer journey through this unique lens.

Following a prostate cancer diagnosis, Muscatine artist Jim transformed his experience into a visual journey of hope, healing, and resistance.

See his exhibit on display at our university campus through March 23, 2026.

12/23/2025

With the chilly days upon us, we extend our sincere thanks to a grateful patient for donating over 190 blankets for individuals undergoing infusion treatments. This thoughtful gift will bring warmth and comfort to many on their healing journey. 😊

12/17/2025

Hot cocoa/cider + cookies + great colleagues = a perfect winter pick-me-up. ❄️☕️

Grateful to connect with our team and embrace the holiday season!

12/03/2025

In a guest column for the Des Moines Register, Mark Burkard (University of Iowa Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center), Mary Charlton (Iowa Cancer Consortium), and Bradley Hiatt (Mission Cancer + Blood) share 3 reasons to have hope about Iowa's fight against cancer:

1. Research and education taking place across the state
2. Increased access to cancer care closer to home
3. Collaborative clinical trial efforts

Check out the full article: www.desmoinesregister.com/story/opinion/columnists/iowa-view/2025/11/22/iowa-cancer-rates-research-response/87360628007/

11/21/2025

👏 Join us in congratulating Cancer Biology PhD candidate Katie Colling!

She earned both first place overall and the People's Choice – STEM & Applied Health award at this year's 3 Minute Thesis Research Communication Competition for her presentation, “Turning Hormones Into Hope for Uterine Cancer."

11/18/2025

Curious about post-baccalaureate opportunities in cancer research?

Meet the leaders behind ICARE and get your questions answered by attending one of our upcoming virtual information sessions.

11/14/2025

11/11/2025

Kickstart your research career with PROPEL’s upcoming recruitment events for postbaccalaureate scholars.

Join us for the Virtual Info Session this Friday (November 14) to learn more about the application process, event logistics, and information about each participating program.

Then take the next step at the National PROPEL Matchmaking Event on Friday, January 30, where trainees with a bachelor’s degree by June 2026 can meet one-on-one with investigators about full-time research positions.

These rapid 10-minute interviews are a great way to explore research environments, discover potential matches, and chart your path forward!

https://propelscholars.org/matchmaking-event/scholar-application

11/10/2025

Holden is advancing cancer care with the help of AI.

Our team recently received a grant to bring AI-driven tools into prostate cancer care. These tools will help identify patients who should receive genetic testing and strengthen early intervention efforts.

It’s one more step toward earlier answers and more personalized care for people across Iowa.

Clinicians at the University of Iowa were recently awarded a competitive grant for a multi-faceted quality improvement project using artificial intelligence (AI) to improve advanced prostate cancer care.

11/04/2025

Members of University of Iowa's Zeta Tau Alpha created and delivered comfort kits for breast cancer patients at Holden. 🩷

Each kit includes thoughtful items—like a warm hat and handwritten notes—to provide comfort and encouragement during treatment.

We are grateful for the chapter's continued dedication to supporting breast cancer awareness and education.