Blog

Colon Cancer Screening in the United States

By Dr. Susannah Friemel Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in Iowa (2022 Cancer in Iowa Report). The incidence of colorectal cancer in patients age 50+ has declined steadily since the mid-1980s, in part due to increased screening. However, within the past two decades, there has been a concerning increase in…

Another Successful Virtual ACS CAN Day at the Capitol

The Iowa Cancer Consortium is a non-partisan, non-political organization and does not use state funds to engage in lobbying. Views presented by Consortium members do not necessarily represent the opinions or positions of the Iowa Cancer Consortium, its board of directors, staff or membership. By Bridget Toomey, MS, CPC, CPPM ACS CAN Volunteer Assistant Director…

Committing to Support Cancer Awareness Efforts in 2022

By Ashley Ezzio, ICCE, CD(DONA) As I reflect on my key take-aways from 2021, I’m struck by a shift in focus. 2021 gave me several reminders of how precious my health and the health of those I love is.  I’ll never forget the day this shift in perspective began. During another busy workday, I received…

Iowa Cancer Consortium’s 2021 Annual Report

It’s estimated two in five Iowans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime (State Health Registry of Iowa). The Iowa Cancer Consortium believes all Iowans have a unique role in reducing the state’s cancer burden and have created the Iowa Cancer Plan to support its mission. Our Mission To advance cancer prevention and control…

Meet Georgia Hodge, Black Hawk County Community Outreach Coordinator

Hi, I’m Georgia Hodge and I’m the Black Hawk County Outreach Coordinator contracted with the Iowa Cancer Consortium beginning in 2021. I am passionately involved in health equity and decreasing health disparities locally and statewide. I am a Community Health Worker (CHW) and a longtime member of the Iowa Cancer Consortium. I am presently a…

Meet Kelly Angell, Rural Community Outreach Coordinator

My name is Kelly Angell and it is an honor to serve as the Rural Outreach Coordinator for the Iowa Cancer Consortium. I live with my husband, Brad, and our children Bryson (8), Claire (5), and Isabel (2), in Black Hawk County. We also have an Australian Shepherd named Zoey at home who likes to…

A Reflection at Year’s End

by Richard L. Deming, MD “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.” -T.S. Eliot As we approach the end of the year, it’s appropriate for us to take time to reflect on what we have learned…

Meet Jia Wei, Iowa Cancer Consortium Fall 2021 Practicum Student

Hello, my name is Jia Wei, and I work as a practicum student with the Iowa Cancer Consortium doing member research and analysis. I am a Chinese international student at the University of Iowa, where I am pursuing a Master of Public Health in Policy degree. I’m thrilled and delighted to be here to learn…

Celebrating Our 2021 Award Winners

Every year, the Iowa Cancer Consortium invites open nominations for two awards – the Iowa Cancer Champion Award and the Spirit of Collaboration Award. Winners are chosen by the Consortium’s Board of Directors and announced at the annual Iowa Cancer Summit. Our 2021 winners have made a big impact on the burden of cancer in…

Alcohol and Breast Cancer – A Surprising Connection

By Raimee Eck, PhD, MPH, MPAS; Paul Gilbert, PhD, ScM; and Priscilla Martinez, PhD, MPhil Most people know about the harms that can come from drinking—from hangovers to addiction—but few people are aware of the link between alcohol and cancer. In fact, alcohol is considered a carcinogen,1 and it has been established as a cause…