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Cancer struck close to home in past weeks. A friend began rounds of chemo for breast cancer. A woman my daughter’s age scheduled a breast biopsy to determine treatment. A third friend recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer started chemo. A fourth friend died after several years fighting brain cancer.
I was “recalled” after an annual mammogram and began the six-month recall plan. Stage zero melanoma removed three years ago require my dermatologist visit every six months. Dad died of pancreatic cancer in 2012. Mom survived colon cancer. I’m on the five-year colonoscopy plan. Thanks, Mom.
Cancer strikes close to home for most Iowans.
According to Iowa Cancer Registry-Cancer in Iowa 2025: “Iowa continues to have the second highest age-adjusted rate of new cancers diagnosed and is one of only two states with a rising age-adjusted rate of new cancers. At the same time, improvements in detecting and treating cancer, as well as supportive services, have contributed to declining cancer mortality (death) rates. Combined, this results in an increasing number of cancer survivors, defined as an individual from the time of diagnosis through the end of life. Many survivors need long-term support from their healthcare providers, their community, and their caregivers, so it is important to better understand the impact of a quickly growing number of cancer survivors.”
The 2025 Cancer in Iowa report provides information on the status of cancer in our state. Key takeaways
include:
• An estimated 21,200 new, invasive cancers will be diagnosed among Iowans in 2025.
• An estimated 6,300 Iowans will die from cancer in 2025.
• The number of cancer survivors is growing, with an estimated 171,535 survivors currently living in Iowa.
• Cancer survivorship is the special focus this year, including stories of survivorship and advocacy.
The main focus of the 2025 Iowa Cancer Registry report was survivorship.
It’s worth noting that the Affordable Care Act implemented four key provisions:
· No coverage denial based on a cancer diagnosis or any other pre-existing condition;
· No higher premiums because of past health history;
· Required coverage for pre-existing conditions from the first day of coverage;
· No annual or lifetime coverage limits of necessary treatments as long as needed.
The Affordable Care Act required matching provision by independent carriers. No small issue for ourselves and thousands of Iowans.
Estimated 2025 average rate of new cancer occurrence in Iowa is 491.8/100,000 population. Counties bordering Union County tell a story. Adams and Adair counties are below the state average. Union, Clark, and Taylor Counties represent average rates. Ringgold County is above average. Decatur and Madison Counties have the highest rate of new cancers.
Iowa’s average age-adjusted cancer deaths from 2017-21 were 152.2/100,000 population. Adams County is below average. Taylor County is state average. Adair County is above the state average. Deaths in Union, Madison, Clarke, Ringgold and Decatur Counties represent highest death rates.
The Iowa Cancer Registry tracked the vital status of more than 98% of cancer survivors diagnosed since 1973. According to Iowa Cancer Registry incidence and survival data for 1973-2020, there are an estimated 171,535 cancer survivors among Iowans currently living with or having had cancer.
Considering the same counties, 5-6% of of Adair, Madison, Union, Clark and Decatur residents are living with cancer. Six-7% of Adams, Taylor and Ringgold residents are living with cancer.
We all have cancer stories. Screening and research are important. Surviving cancer is more successful.
Iowa Cancer Registry 2025 report is worth reviewing. It can be found here.
Cancer strikes close to home.