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From Data to Action: How the National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer Helps Save Lives

Firefighters are brave individuals in our communities who put their lives on the line to protect us from fires and other emergencies. Whether volunteer or career, firefighters and their families dedicate their lives to service, especially in rural communities. To help understand and address the unique health risks associated with smoke, chemical, and hazardous materials…

Recognizing Advancements in Pediatric Oncology this Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Written by Natalie Steuer Gold is a precious metal, and it symbolizes the most precious thing in life—our children. Gold is the official color for all childhood cancers, and September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.  Childhood Cancer Awareness Month holds great significance as cancer still remains the leading cause of death by disease for children…

Breaking Down the Silos: Takeaways from the Strategies to Reduce Environmental Cancer Risk Webinar Series

For most people, especially those familiar with farmland, what comes to mind when you think of a silo is a tall metal tower that stores grain. It is known for its large size and protective quality, but also for its potential danger of entrapment. The grain that provides sustenance can also overwhelm the people working…

How State Cancer Plans Responded to the COVID-19 Pandemic

By Jason Semprini, PhD, MPP While many of us would prefer to forget the uncertainty and terror we confronted during 2020, the lessons we learn (or refuse to learn) will profoundly shape future public health systems. This is especially true for cancer prevention and control systems. As the pandemic became an officially declared Public Health…

New Iowa Cancer Consortium Board Members Aim to Use Their Passions to Help Reduce Iowa’s Growing Cancer Rates

CORALVILLE, IA – July 11, 2024 – The Iowa Cancer Consortium is pleased to announce the addition of two new board members, Morgan Newman, MSW (Norwalk, IA) and Devon Gurnett, MSOM (Des Moines, IA). With Iowa second-in-the-nation for cancer incidence rates for the second year in a row (behind only Kentucky), the Iowa Cancer Consortium…

Parkinson’s Disease and Cancer: What’s the Connection?

Written by: Rebecca Gilbert, MD, Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer, American Parkinson Disease Association  Researchers have long tried to understand the relationship between Parkinson’s disease (PD) and cancer, with multiple studies conducted over the years. Intuitively, PD and cancer are not at all similar, and can even be thought of as biochemically opposite –…

Childhood Cancer Data Initiative: A Mother’s Perspective

By Natalie Steuer Childhood cancer is a complex issue impacting many families in Iowa. While great progress has been made in treating children with cancer nationally, the research momentum has been limited for many forms of childhood cancer. In the 1970’s, just over 50% of children diagnosed with cancer could expect to survive 5 years…

Mental Health & Cancer: Implications and Strategies for Comprehensive Care

By: Mona McCalley-Whitters, PhD A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing experience, bringing forth a range of emotions from fear and anxiety to depression. Such mental stressors can directly impact a patient’s quality of life, their adherence to treatment, and even survival rates (National Cancer Institute). An Overview: Stress & Cancer Stress describes what people experience…

Iowa Cancer Consortium 2023 Annual Report

According to the Iowa Cancer Registry, Iowa’s cancer incidence rate grew faster than any other state from 2016 to 2020, and Iowa continues to have the second-highest overall cancer incidence in the United States (source: 2024 Cancer in Iowa Report).  The call to work together is greater than ever before. In 2024, an estimated 21,000…

Iowa Cancer Consortium Creates Resource to Connect Iowans with Cancer Clinical Trials

CORALVILLE, IA – April 8, 2024 – Partners across the state are working together to ensure that there is one resource for Iowans to locate and find information about cancer clinical trials in the state. Clinical trials are research studies that identify the best ways to prevent, detect, and treat cancer. While many trials exist…