Blog

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…

Funding Renewal for Iowa Cancer Consortium Fuels Local Cancer Survivorship and Prevention Work

CORALVILLE, IA – August 14, 2025 – The Iowa Cancer Consortium announced the recipients of over $200,000 in grant funding through its FY26 Iowa Cancer Plan Implementation Grant and FY26 Cancer Survivorship Grant. Nine organizations across the state were awarded up to $25,000 each for their projects that run through May 31, 2026, with topics…

Bringing Cancer Data Home: The 99 Counties Project

Did you know Iowa has the second-highest rate of new cancer cases in the country? That’s a tough reality—but it’s one we can face by working together, community by community. That’s where the Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project comes in. Launched by the Iowa Cancer Registry, this initiative makes sure every county in Iowa…

Mass Found During Lung Cancer Screening: What Comes Next?

By Steve Sullivan, Mary Greeley Medical Center (view original article) Brad’s been smoking for more than 50 years, which made him the perfect candidate for lung screening. The screening procedure indicated a mass, which made the central Iowa man a perfect candidate for an advanced lung biopsy procedure performed by Dr. Tamim Mahayni, a McFarland Clinic pulmonologist.…

Meet Klaudia Hernandez: 2025 Practicum Student

Hello! My name is Klaudia Hernandez, I am excited to be completing my practicum experience this summer at the Iowa Cancer Consortium! For my project I will be assisting in the evaluation of the 2022-2027 Iowa Cancer Plan. This project involves examining the plan’s effectiveness in reaching its goals, identifying areas for improvement, and providing…

Board of Directors Provides Continuity and Proven Leadership for Iowa Cancer Consortium During Uncertain Times

CORALVILLE, IA – July 8, 2025 – All six incumbent board candidates for the Iowa Cancer Consortium Board of Directors were reelected by Consortium membership for the FY26-FY27 (July 2025-June 2027) term. Joining them for her first term is Kaitlin Emrich, MPH, director of the Black Hawk County Public Health Department.  “This continuity in strong…

Supporting Life After Cancer: How Hall Perrine Cancer Center Is Redefining Survivorship Care

Written by Alissa McEowen, Hall Perrine Cancer Center It’s clear: we need to focus on cancer survivorship. With more than 171,000 cancer survivors in Iowa, we have a growing need for survivorship support across our state. Survivors face unique physical, emotional, and practical challenges that extend throughout their lives. Current guidelines emphasize the importance of…

Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center: Lessons Learned from Cancer Survivorship Grant

Written by Carey Wellington, Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center In July 2025, Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center received an Enhancing Psychosocial Support for Cancer Survivors grant from the Iowa Cancer Consortium and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). View Webinar Recording: Southeast…