Oncology & Hematology
From the moment you enter the William R. Bliss Cancer Center, you’ll be greeted by our dedicated, compassionate staff.
You'll be educated and treated by our highly trained oncology nurses. Your comprehensive care will be provided by our board-certified medical oncologists/hematologists.
Our patients have come to expect the very best in coordinated health care, a truly collaborative approach.
Williams R. Bliss Cancer Center
The William R. Bliss Cancer Center is a partnership between Mary Greeley Medical Center and McFarland Clinic.
Related Specialties and Services
Locations & Hours
Ames
William R. Bliss Cancer Center
1111 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010
Hours
| Monday | 7:30am-5pm |
| Tuesday | 7:30am-5pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30am-5pm |
| Thursday | 7:30am-5pm |
| Friday | 7:30am-5pm |
| Saturday | 8am-12pm |
*Lab open Mon-Fri, 7:30am-4pm.
Mary Greeley Medical Center
1111 Duff Ave
Ames, IA 50010
Hours
| Monday | 7:30am-5pm |
| Tuesday | 7:30am-5pm |
| Wednesday | 7:30am-5pm |
| Thursday | 7:30am-5pm |
| Friday | 7:30am-5pm |
| Saturday | 8am-12pm |
*Lab open Mon-Fri, 7:30am-4pm.
Boone
Boone County Hospital
1015 Union Street
Boone, IA 50036
Hours
Please contact the Oncology Department for information regarding hours and scheduling for this outreach clinic.Fort Dodge
Fort Dodge Oncology Services
802 Kenyon Rd
Fort Dodge, IA 50501
Hours
| Monday | 8am-5pm |
| Tuesday | 8am-5pm |
| Wednesday | 8am-5pm |
| Thursday | 8am-5pm |
| Friday | 8am-5pm |
Humboldt
Humboldt County Memorial Hospital
1000 North 15th Street
Humboldt, IA 50548
Hours
Please contact the Oncology & Hematology Department for information regarding hours and scheduling for this outreach clinic.Iowa Falls
Iowa Falls Office
701 Washington Ave
Iowa Falls, IA 50126
Hours
Please contact the Oncology department for information regarding hours and scheduling for this outreach clinic.Jefferson
Jefferson Office
106 West Washington Street
Suite 2
Jefferson, IA 50129
Hours
Please contact the Oncology Department for information regarding hours and scheduling for this outreach clinic.Marshalltown
Marshalltown Office
421 East Merle Hibbs Boulevard
Marshalltown, IA 50158
Hours
Please contact the Marshalltown office for information regarding hours and scheduling for this outreach clinic.Perry
Dallas County Hospital
610 10th Street
Perry, IA 50220
Hours
Please contact the Oncology Department for information regarding hours and scheduling for this outreach clinic.Services
What is Oncology?
Medical oncology is the specialty devoted to the care of people with cancer. This includes the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care of people who are at risk for/or have experienced cancer.
What is Hematology?
Hematology is the specialty devoted to the care of people with a variety of blood disorders, both benign and malignant. Most physicians are now trained in both specialties and care for oncology and hematology patients each day.
Oncologists/Hematologists
A medical oncologist/hematologist is first trained as a specialist in adult medicine. They often serve to coordinate the care provided to a cancer patient by other specialists and departments throughout the McFarland Clinic and William R. Bliss Cancer Center network.
Services Offered
- Chemotherapy and biotherapy infusion
- Non-oncology infusion center
- Clinical trials
- Cancer-related genetic counseling
- In-office dispensary
Diseases & Disorders Treated
A wide variety of cancers are treated at the William R. Bliss Cancer Center including, but not limited to, the following:
- Breast cancer
- Colon/rectal cancer
- Lung cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Lymphoma
- Urological and gynecological cancers
- Cancers of the head and neck
- Blood diseases
A wide variety of blood disorders are treated, including but not limited to:
- Leukemia, acute and chronic
- MDS
- Multiple myeloma
- Anemia
Clinical Trials
Clinical trials study new, promising ways to treat and prevent cancer. Get access to the latest trials close to home at the William R. Bliss Cancer Center, a service of Mary Greeley Medical Center and McFarland Clinic.
Patient Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Do your oncologists specialize in treating specific cancers in their practice?
All of our medical oncologists are trained to treat a wide variety of cancers.
Do your oncologists practice hematology?
All of our medical oncologists are also hematologists.
What do I need to bring with me for my first appointment?
For your initial consultations:
- Please bring with you a complete list of medications (including dosing information and any over the counter medicines you are currently taking)
- A list of questions you have for your oncologist
- Contact information of a family member/significant other for release of information and/or emergency contact
- Any pertinent health information, including: any medical conditions, surgeries and family history
- We encourage you to bring a family member/significant other to your appointment
For your follow up appointment:
- Complete list of medications (including dosing information and any over the counter medicines you are currently taking)
For your infusion appointment:
- You are encouraged to eat prior to your infusions
- You may bring food and drink. Coffee, tea, soda and crackers are available at all of our infusion centers
- Wear comfortable clothing, a blanket will be provided
- You may bring a laptop, book, headphones and other diversion activities
- Friends and family are welcome!
Do I need to be fasting for my appointments?
You will be instructed by our staff to fast, if needed, prior to lab work, radiology tests and/or procedures.
Do you participate in clinical trials?
Yes. Please visit the Mary Greeley/Bliss Cancer Center Clinical Trials page for a description of current clinical trials. Our clinical trials program allows patients access to the latest clinical trials without the need to travel.
How do I choose my oncologist?
All of our oncologists see new patients. An oncologist will be selected for you, based on where you will receive your care (Ames or an outreach site). You may request a specific oncologist.
Where will I receive my chemotherapy treatment?
McFarland Clinic has infusion centers in Ames and outreach locations in central Iowa. See more about our Infusion Services and locations.
Video Resources
What's in a Complete Blood Count (CBC)?
What are the components of a Complete Blood Count or CBC? What does the CBC mean? What do we need to do about it?
What to Do About Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, and Constipation
During treatment you might experience side effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Here's a look at why we have them and what we can do about them.
What to Do About Neuropathy
You might experience a side effect of numbness or tingling known as neuropathy. Here's how to recognize it, why it happens, and what to do about it.
Oncology nurse's first hand experience with cancer diagnosis
A McFarland Clinic Oncology nurse shares her experience as both a nurse and a patient.
Patient Education
Important Links
Mary Greeley William R. Bliss Cancer Center
Mary Greeley Medical Center, where the William R. Bliss Cancer Center is located, offers additional information on what the center and its McFarland physicians has to offer.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem.
National Cancer Institute
The National Cancer Institute is the federal government's principal agency for cancer research and training.
Cancer.net
Cancer.net is the American Society of Clinical Oncology's website providing cancer-related information.
Iowa Cancer Consortium
The Iowa Cancer Consortium acts as the state government's organization devoted to eliminating cancer.
