2025: A Year in Review
As we close out 2025, we celebrate the resilience and dedication that defined this year. Our collective work in cancer prevention and control continues to save lives and strengthen communities. And these experiences serve as a powerful reminder of how critical state-level collaboration and advocacy are to sustain progress against cancer.
Highlights & Achievements
- Cancer in Iowa Report: This year’s report revealed a sobering reality: Iowa continues to have one of the fastest-growing rates of new cancer cases in the nation, with nearly 172,000 cancer survivors.
- 99 Counties Project: Led by the Iowa Cancer Registry and University of Iowa College of Public Health, we engaged with communities across Iowa to present county-specific cancer information and address community concerns.
- Implementation Grants: In 2025, the Consortium awarded over $200,000 in Iowa Cancer Plan Implementation Grants and Survivorship grants to projects focused on survivorship support, radon testing, HPV education, and more. These investments empower state and local organizations to make a difference in Iowa communities.
- Celebrating Champions: At the Iowa Cancer Summit, we honored individuals and organizations whose dedication to cancer control inspires us all. Their leadership reminds us that progress is possible when we work together.
Advancing the Iowa Cancer Plan
The Iowa Cancer Plan continues to guide our work, focusing on:
- Health Equity: Addressing disparities in cancer prevention and care.
- Prevention & Risk Reduction: Promoting healthy behaviors and reducing exposure to carcinogens.
- Early Detection & Screening: Increasing access to life-saving screenings.
- Survivorship & End-of-Life Care: Supporting Iowans through every stage of the cancer journey.
We’ve made strides in each area, but there is more to do, especially in reaching and supporting all Iowans, including improving access in rural communities.
Looking Ahead to 2026
The coming year brings new opportunities:
- We’ll continue to bring members and partners together to share the latest news and resources impacting Iowa’s high cancer rates.
- We hope to offer and share potential funding opportunities with our members which support activities listed within the Iowa Cancer Plan.
- We’re developing plans for workgroups to maximize networking and resource sharing, while minimizing the less helpful pieces.
Action Items
As we look to 2026, we invite you to:
- Become a member or renew your membership.
- Participate in upcoming webinars and events.
- Share your story and help us amplify the voices of Iowans affected by cancer.
- Share things to celebrate and you might be featured in the monthly newsletter! Send to [email protected].
Together, we can create a future where fewer lives are affected by cancer.
A special thanks to our members, partners, and supporters: thank you for your dedication and resilience. Every conversation, every project, and every act of advocacy brings us closer to our shared vision—a healthier Iowa for all. Cheers to 2026!