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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 (NCI) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and how they operate in Iowa. 

National Cancer Institute (NCI)  

  • NCI is the “federal government’s principal agency for cancer research and training.” (Source) 
  • NCI is part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which is one of 11 agencies making up the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). (Source) 
  • NCI’s mission is to lead, conduct, and support “cancer research across the nation to advance scientific knowledge and help all people live longer, healthier lives.” (Source) 
  • NCI’s focus is on research and training researchers, while CDC’s cancer programs focus on public health and cancer control. (Source) 
  • NCI funds 72 NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers, including University of Iowa Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center. (Source) 
  • NCI funds approximately $22.3 million in grants and contracts in Iowa. (Source)
  • The NCI Community Oncology Research Program (NCORP) network conducts and participates in clinical trials within community settings. Trials focus on cancer prevention, screening, supportive care and symptom management, surveillance, health-related quality of life, and cancer care delivery. (Source) 
    • The Iowa-Wide Oncology Research Coalition (I-WORC) is the NCORP site in Iowa and operates in 25 clinic and hospital locations in the state. (Source)  
    • “The existence of the [Iowa Cancer Registry] allows for the study of the cancer experience of Iowans and focuses national attention and research dollars” on cancer in Iowa. (Source) 
    • On Tuesday, February 25, 2025, the Iowa Cancer Registry will release its annual Cancer in Iowa Report, which estimates expected new cancer cases and cancer deaths for the year. This edition will also feature a special section on cancer survivorship.  

 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) 

  • CDC’s cancer programs focus on cancer control and public health, while NCI’s focus is on research and training researchers. 
  • CDC funding to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS): 
    • The CDC’s National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) provides funds, guidance, and technical assistance to help cancer control programs and coalitions implement effective and sustainable plans to prevent and control cancer. It provides funding to all 50 states (including Iowa) and other areas.  
      • These funds support staff and cancer control evidence-based intervention implementation within Iowa HHS, as well as contracts with Meskwaki Tribal Health and the Iowa Cancer Consortium.  
      • Note: The Iowa Cancer Consortium will also receive approximately $427,000 of state dollars through its FY25 contract with Iowa HHS. 
        • The Iowa Cancer Consortium is a network or coalition of more than 700 people working together to make cancer less of a burden in Iowa. With state and federal dollars combined, the Iowa Cancer Consortium:  
          • Convenes and facilitates statewide workgroups of cancer control experts.  
          • Develops and supports implementation of the Iowa Cancer Plan, which provides direction and support for those who want to work towards reducing the burden of cancer. The plan encompasses the entire cancer control continuum, including actions to reduce the risk of developing cancer or finding cancer early, all the way through treatment and survivorship care. 
          • Awards funding to programs and projects to implement strategies and actions within the Iowa Cancer Plan.  
          • Builds the capacity of Iowa’s cancer control workforce and advocates through education, resources, collaboration, and connection.  
      • The Iowa NBCCEDP Program (also called Care for Yourself) provides free or low-cost breast and cervical screenings to people who have no insurance or whose insurance does not cover screening exams, whose yearly income is at or below 250% of the federal poverty level, and who meet age requirements for each screening type.  
      • Iowa also receives a small amount of funding from the state for cervical cancer screening, but most of its funding comes from the CDC. 
      • CDC’s CRCCP grants are competitive (not every state receives funding). Iowa has funding currently and is in its last year of a 5-year grant. 
      • The Iowa Get Screened (IGS): Colorectal Cancer Program partners with Iowa’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and local public health agencies to increase screenings for colorectal cancer. Through a collaboration with the Iowa Primary Care Association (Iowa PCA) and FQHCs, the department serves low-income Iowans, ages 45-75, to increase the number of cancers prevented, increase the diagnosis of early-stage colorectal cancer, and reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in the state. 
      • Iowa also receives a small amount of funding from the state for colorectal cancer screening, but most of its funding comes from the CDC. 
    • Other CDC Public Health Funding: 
    • CDC Public Health Infrastructure Grant (PHIG) 
      • One hundred and seven health departments and three national public health partners received funding through this 5-year grant (12/1/2022 – 11/30/2027), including Iowa. 
    • CDC National Tobacco Control Program Funding (NTCP) 
      • In FY2024 Iowa received $988,849 in NTCP funding and $149,122 in Quitline funding for total CDC funding of $1,137,971 for tobacco prevention and cessation. (Source)

Iowa’s Federal Policy Makers 

  • Iowa’s U.S. Senators are both Republican and may play a role in determining cabinet appointments. Cabinet nominees need 50 Senate votes to be confirmed.