Cancer Care

Cancer can be a scary word, but getting a treatment plan doesn’t have to be. Cancer refers to a large group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and may spread throughout the body. At Clarinda Regional Health Center, we treat all types of solid tumors, blood cancers, and even non-cancerous conditions—with a focus on compassionate, comprehensive care. Thanks to advances in screening and treatment, survival rates continue to improve for many types of cancer.

Cancer Treatment Options May Include:


  Surgery                                                       Immunotherapy

  Radiation Therapy                                   Targeted Therapy

►  Chemotherapy                                          Hormone Therapy


4 Key Elements of Medical Care

For Patients with a Cancer Diagnosis

Comprehensive cancer care includes ongoing support beyond diagnosis and treatment. Through a coordinated team and established network of services, we ensure patients have access to the resources they need to manage their condition with compassion and confidence.

Who Benefits from Oncology Rehabilitation?

  Anyone preparing for lumpectomies, mastectomies, hysterectomies, etc

  Anyone who has recently been diagnosed with breast cancer or pelvic cancer

  Anyone who is preparing for chemo and/or radiation

  Anyone who has had these interventions in the past and is having difficulty with pain, joint mobility, swelling, or strength concerns


Services

Meet Our Oncology Rehabiliation Specialist

Julie Orme is an Occupational Therapist at CRHC. As a PORi-Certified provider, Julie understands the physiological impact of cancer treatments that stem from chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. Her knowledge and specialized training mean she can provide safer, more effective rehabilitation throughout our patients' healthcare experience.


If you have any questions about our programs, referrals, or our facility, reach out to the CRHC's Rehabilitation Therapy team.


Rehab & Sports Med Center Phone: (712) 542-8224         

Comprehensive Cancer Care at CRHC

As part of our comprehensive cancer care, we offer specialized oncology rehabilitation services led by a PORi-certified provider. Here's why that is important to our patients:

A PORi-Certified Provider isn't just trained in one condition

They're training in cancer rehabilitation as a whole. From start to finish. That means they have an understanding of the whole journey, which may include:


  • How cancer and treatments affect the entire body (not just one area)
  • How to prevent, identify, and treat side effects early
  • How to help patients stay functional, active, and independent

Areas our PORi-Certified Provider specifically treats concerns in these areas:

  • Lymphatic (lymphedema)
  • Muscles and joints
  • Nerves (neuropathy)
  • Heart and lungs (endurance, fatigue)
  • Pelvic and digestive systems


A PORi-Certified provider has advanced training

They specialize in cancer rehabilitation, using a whole-body approach to care. This means they don’t just treat one symptom—they look at how cancer and its treatment affect all body systems and work to address those changes early. Interventions might address issues like:


  • Swelling (lymphedema)
  • Limited range of motion after surgery
  • Cancer-related fatigue
  • Balance issues or fall risk
  • Weakness or deconditioning
  • Chemotherapy-related nerve pain (neuropathy)
  • Scar tissue tightness or discomfort
  • Pelvic health concerns after certain cancers
  • Difficulty returning to daily activities or work


Our patients get individualized treatment from start to finish

Oncology rehabilitation is an important part of cancer care—not just after treatment, but before, during, and throughout survivorship. Throughout their cancer journey, our patients benefit from this by:

Maintaining strength and mobility during treatment

  • Reduce side effects like fatigue, pain, stiffness, and neuropathy
  • Recover faster after surgery
  • Prevent long-term complications
  • Improve quality of life during and after cancer

Individualized treatment plans can prepare and address things like:

  • Education on what to expect following surgeries
  • Exercises appropriate with healing timeline
  • Scar tissue restrictions & scar management education
  • Lymphedema education prevention
  • Strengthening for each phase of recovery
  • Education on performing daily activities

Download our Oncology Brochure

Other Services at CRHC

Cancer Prevention

There’s no certain way to prevent cancer. But doctors have identified ways of reducing your cancer risk, like:


  • Stop smoking. If you smoke, quit. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. Smoking is linked to several types of cancer — not just lung cancer. Stopping now will reduce your risk of cancer in the future.


  • Avoid excessive sun exposure. Harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun can increase your risk of skin cancer. Limit your sun exposure by staying in the shade, wearing protective clothing, or applying sunscreen.


  • Eat a healthy diet. Choose a diet rich in fruits and vegetables. Select whole grains and lean proteins.



  • Exercise most days of the week. Regular exercise is linked to a lower risk of cancer. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise most days of the week. If you haven’t been exercising regularly, start out slowly, and work your way up to 30 minutes or longer.


  • Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight or obese may increase your risk of cancer. Work to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a combination of a healthy diet and regular exercise.


  • Drink alcohol in moderation, if you choose to drink. If you choose to drink alcohol, limit yourself to one drink a day if you’re a woman of any age or a man older than age 65, or two drinks a day if you’re a man 65 years old or younger.


  • Schedule cancer screening exams. Talk to your doctor about what types of cancer screening exams are best for you based on your risk factors.



  • Ask your doctor about immunizations. Certain viruses increase your risk of cancer. Immunizations may help prevent those viruses, including hepatitis B, which increases the risk of liver cancer, and human papillomavirus (HPV), which increases the risk of cervical cancer and other cancers. Ask your doctor whether immunization against these viruses is appropriate for you.


Meet our Oncology Providers