Central Iowa's First Cancer Center
In 1991, the John Stoddard Cancer Center, a service of UnityPoint Health - Des Moines, opened at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. It was the first cancer center in central Iowa to house all radiation oncology and ancillary services in one location. The new facility centralized all outpatient oncology services in one area while conveniently locating them by the inpatient services offered at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. This progressive concept was a result of our long-standing commitment to meet the changing needs of the patients and families we serve.
Prior to the opening of John Stoddard Cancer Center, Iowa's first pediatric cancer center opened at Blank Children's Hospital in 1987, concentrating all phases of pediatric cancer diagnosis and treatment in one unique area.
Leading Cancer Center
Today, John Stoddard Cancer Center remains at the forefront of cancer care in Iowa, with one of the most technologically advanced and diverse radiation oncology departments in the Midwest.
In 1962, Iowa Methodist Medical Center established Iowa's first hospital-based radiation oncology department. We began offering intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) in 2002, which allows us to precisely shape the radiation beam to maximize treatment of the tumor while minimizing exposure to the surrounding healthy tissue. In 2004, we began treating patients using stereotactic radiosurgery. Both of these were firsts for cancer treatment in central Iowa. In 2011, the John Stoddard Cancer Center became one of the first in the world to offer patients TrueBeam STx Technology - a revolutionary new radiation device capable of treating even the smallest tumors.
The Stoddard Oncology Nurse Navigator Program was a first in Central Iowa and has proven to be a tremendous benefit for our patients and their families. Nurse navigators are patient advocates, provide education and support to cancer patients and their families before, during and after treatment.
The John Stoddard Cancer Center, a service of UnityPoint Health - Des Moines, will be the premier cancer center in the Midwest by providing fully integrated programs and services. This will be accomplished through the use of:
Annual Report
On behalf of the dedicated physicians, nurses, volunteers and support staff at John Stoddard Cancer Center, we are proud to share our accomplishments and milestones with you.
The 2020 report focuses on liver cancer with an in-depth look from our Medical Director, Dr. Andrew Nish. This report also features several of our community outreach events and cancer prevention programs. In addition, you will read about the impact philanthropy has on the care we provide. We are proud of the high-quality, compassionate care provided by our outstanding team and thank you for your continued support of John Stoddard Cancer Center.
The support of our community allows us to continue to be one of the top cancer programs across the nation and to offer patients the care they need throughout their entire cancer journey, close to home.
Sarah Zeidler
Executive Director
John Stoddard Cancer Center
Archived Reports
2019 Annual Report
2018 Annual Report
2017 Annual Report
2016 Annual Report