Blog

Keeping Volunteer Firefighters Safe from Cancer: A Father/Daughter Conversation 

Written by: Rachel Schramm, Program Manager, Iowa Cancer Consortium & Dan Neenan, Director, National Education Center for Agricultural Safety  Introduction  Iowa’s volunteer fire departments are tasked with protecting Iowa’s smaller and rural communities. Of approximately 850 fire departments across the state, about 92% are volunteer fire departments. When I was just about to enter Kindergarten, our family moved to Epworth, Iowa – a small town located in northeast Iowa (population 1,300). Shortly…

From Palliation to Prevention: The Role of Pharmacists in Reducing Cervical Cancer Burden in Iowa

Written by: Lorin Fisher, PharmD, BCACP | Clinical Assistant Professor, The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy  As a pharmacist practicing in a palliative care clinic, I routinely care for individuals living with cancer and its complications. Approximately 80% of the patients I see in clinical practice are affected by some form of malignancy, and my…

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 …

New Self-Collection HPV Screening Options

Written by: Alexa Stallings, Academic Research Assistant in the Department of Community and Behavioral Health at the University of Iowa College of Public Health Screening for cervical cancer is now easier than ever. Traditionally, cervical cancer screening options have included a Pap smear or a clinician-collected Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) test. However, two new self-collection…

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month

November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) is working to increase awareness among Iowans of the risk factors for lung cancer and provide information about lung cancer screening. Lung cancer is the number one cause of cancer deaths in Iowa. Iowa ranks 14th in the nation…

News Release: Iowans Honored for Cancer Control Efforts at the 2025 Iowa Cancer Summit

Coralville, IA – November 4, 2025 – Several individuals were honored last month at the Iowa Cancer Summit for their contributions to cancer control in Iowa. The Des Moines Firefighters Local 4 received the Iowa Cancer Champion Award, which is given annually to an individual or organization that has demonstrated a commitment to reducing the burden of…

Losing Medicaid? Here’s What You Need to Know.

By Cynthia Fiester, MSN, RN Chronic Disease Services Coordinator, Linn County Public Health  Losing health insurance can be stressful and confusing, whether it’s Medicaid, employer-based coverage, or a marketplace plan. If you or someone you care about will soon lose or has recently lost health insurance, don’t worry, you’re not alone, and help is available.  …

New Statewide Initiative Aims to Uncover What’s Driving Cancer in Iowa

In response to rising cancer rates across the state, Iowa leaders have launched an initiative to better understand and address the factors contributing to cancer in Iowa. The project, known as Cancer Drivers in Iowa, is a collaborative effort between Iowa Health and Human Services and the University of Iowa College of Public Health, established…

Letting go of the status quo: A quick organizational update

Dear members and partners, Years ago, our staff co-created what we refer to as our Rules of Engagement. These “rules” guide us to work together in our most authentic, open, and people-centered way. We check in with our rules of engagement regularly and update them as needed. One rule that has not changed across all…

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month: Charlie’s Story  

Written by: Natalie Steuer, Childhood Cancer Awareness Advocate   September usually brings cozy, familiar rhythms – kids back in school, cooler evening air drifting in through open windows, and the first hints of autumn. But for thousands of families across the nation, September carries a deeper meaning. It is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a time…