Missouri Cancer Associates

03/10/2026

Cancer doesn’t wait. Neither should you!

When every day matters, getting answers—and getting care—QUICKLY can make all the difference. At Missouri Cancer Associates, we make it a priority to see patients fast, so you never face uncertainty longer than you have to.

No one expects a cancer diagnosis. But no one should face it alone. We’re honored to walk beside patients like Kris, offering hope, clarity, and compassionate expertise at every step. 💙

Kris’s experience says it best:

“This past week was a whirlwind to say the least. On Monday, the doctor who performed my colonoscopy came back with, ‘I'm sorry, you have cancer … we're getting everything ready to send to the surgeons’ and oncologists’ offices.’ Surgeon!?!? Oncologist!?!?

From the first call to set the appointment at Missouri Cancer Associates to our first meeting with Dr. Caleb Smith two days later, I couldn’t have had a better experience. All along the way I experienced kindness, understanding, generosity of time, reassurance, and so much more." -Kris

Fast appointments. Compassionate care. Expert guidance.
Because cancer doesn’t wait—and you shouldn’t either.

https://loom.ly/1VI6KBw

03/09/2026

Pop quiz: Which of the following is NOT a symptom of colore**al cancer? A. Blood in the stool or re**al bleeding, B. Changes in bowel habits, C. Unexplained weight loss, or D. Frequent headaches? The answer is D, frequent headaches. If you are experiencing blood in the stool or re**al bleeding, changes in bowel habits, or have concerns about unexplained weight loss, speak with your healthcare provider.

03/08/2026

Daylight savings time begins this Sunday! Don't forget to set your clocks and spring forward!

03/04/2026

Today is HPV Awareness Day. Did you know HPV is linked to more than 70% of cervical cancer cases? Recently, the FDA has approved self-collection for HPV testing--here's what you need to know:

03/03/2026

What is hospice — and how do I know if I’m ready?

Hospice is specialized care focused on comfort, quality of life, and support when curative treatment is no longer the goal. It’s not about giving up — it’s about choosing care that prioritizes comfort, dignity, and time with the people you love. 💙

You may be ready to explore hospice if:
• Treatments are no longer improving your condition
• Side effects are outweighing benefits
• You want to focus on comfort rather than aggressive treatment
• Your care team has discussed a life expectancy of about six months or less

Hospice care also provides emotional and spiritual support — not just for patients, but for families as well.
Having these conversations can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate them alone. Our team is here to guide you with compassion and clarity.

👉 Learn more about hospice care and how to know if it’s the right next step by visiting our website: https://loom.ly/oLCu7ao

03/02/2026

March is Colore**al Cancer Awareness Month. Colore**al cancer is the third most diagnosed cancer in the United States, excluding skin cancers. Check this page throughout the month for information about prevention and early detection.

03/01/2026

🚨 This is NOT just a “50+” issue anymore. 🚨

Colore**al cancer is now the leading cause of cancer-related death in people under 50.

“Historically, it was rare to diagnose colon cancer in someone in their 40s. Now it’s becoming increasingly common,” says Dr. Andrew Iliff, medical oncologist with Missouri Cancer Associates.

Symptoms that are easy to brush off — changes in bowel habits, blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, ongoing abdominal pain — should never be ignored, no matter your age.

💡 Early detection saves lives.
💡 Listening to your body matters.
💡 Being “too young” is no longer a guarantee.

If something feels off, speak up and get checked. It could make all the difference.

👉 Read the full article: https://loom.ly/u9V3Fvo

**alCancerAwareness

Colore**al cancer has become the leading cause of cancer deaths among people under 50.

02/28/2026

🎉 Happy Birthday, Dr. Mark Tungesvik! 🎉

Today we’re celebrating Dr. Mark Tungesvik, whose compassion and whole‑person approach make such a meaningful impact at Missouri Cancer Associates. His dedication to supporting patients not only through treatment, but through the emotional and spiritual challenges of a cancer journey, is felt every day by those he cares for.💙

Thank you, Dr. Tungesvik, for the heart, wisdom, and humanity you bring to your work. Wishing you a wonderful birthday and a year filled with joy.

02/27/2026

✨ 101st Culture Recognition Award Winner – February ✨

This month, we’re celebrating our Culture Key of Passion — “Showing that we do what we love and love what we do.” 💖

👏 Congratulations to Brook Phillips! 👏

Brook is a shining star on the CT team. She brings kindness, reliability, and genuine care to our patients and teammates every single day. Always calm, reassuring, and attentive, she goes above and beyond to make sure patients feel informed, comfortable, and supported.

When challenges arise, Brooke steps up without hesitation — from assisting during simulations to personally calling CT patients to answer questions and ease concerns. She leads by example with a can-do attitude, initiative, and a true passion for patient care.

Her impact on our team and patient experience is undeniable, and she is incredibly deserving of this recognition.

💖 Congratulations, Brook! 💖

02/26/2026

Watching someone you care about navigate a cancer diagnosis is tough—especially when you can’t be there in person. But distance doesn’t mean you can’t make a difference.

From sending a thoughtful care package to coordinating local support or simply being a listening ear, there are many ways to show love and support.

Read the blog for meaningful ways to help, no matter how many miles separate you: https://loom.ly/xS4XZL4

02/25/2026

This , we're focusing on self-care. What’s your favorite way to relax or recharge during treatment? Comment below!

02/25/2026

Being diagnosed with cancer can feel overwhelming, and treatment options can seem daunting. Most patients prefer care close to home—where they’re surrounded by their support network—rather than traveling long distances to an academic medical center.

Missouri Cancer Associates is an established research leader in communities across Missouri, offering clinical trials through Sarah Cannon Research Institute (SCRI), a global leader in oncology research.

Our research program, SCRI at Missouri Cancer Associates, provides people facing cancer with access to the latest clinical trials—right here at home.💙

Learn more about clinical trials and how they can help: https://loom.ly/iJ5hCrY