Blog

The Importance of CDC- and NCI-Supported Cancer Work In Iowa

With the incoming presidential administration’s plans to create a Federal Department of Government Efficiency with a focus on eliminating duplication, there will likely be more scrutiny on federal program funding. These talking points can help cancer control partners and policymakers understand and explain the differences between cancer programs and grants at the National Cancer Institute…

It’s Simple to Test Your Home for Radon: Free Radon Test Kits for Iowans in 2025

1/13/25 Update: The American Lung Association (ALA) is out of free test kits at this time. Contact your county’s public health department to see if they offer free or discounted test kits. Otherwise, they can be purchased from ALA or any hardware store. Written by Jill Heins-Nesvold, American Lung Association On average, Americans spend 90% of…

Winter Air Care: Improving Air Quality and Lowering Cancer Risk Indoors

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Americans spend about 90% of their time indoors in schools, workplaces, restaurants, shops, homes, places of worship, or elsewhere. The everyday spaces we spend time in become even more important during the winter months as we escape cold weather. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cautions that as…

Disability & Cancer: A Health Equity Issue

This week on December 3rd, the world recognized International Day of People with Disabilities – a day to celebrate the Disability community and advocate for equity. In Iowa, an estimated one in four adults have a disability (27.9% according to the 2022 Iowa BRFSS), and that number is growing. The Iowa Cancer Consortium would like…

Iowans Recognized at the Iowa Cancer Summit for Radon Research, Cancer Screening, and Collaboration

Coralville, IA – October 22, 2024 – Nearly 300 people convened in Ankeny this month for the Iowa Cancer Summit. While much emphasis was placed on Iowa’s high and growing cancer rates (Iowa is second-in-the-nation for cancer incidence, behind only Kentucky, according to the Iowa Cancer Registry), there was time to celebrate what Iowa is…

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…