IOWA CITY, IOWA (January 26, 2023) — The Iowa Cancer Consortium released the Iowa Cancer Plan (2023-2027), a five-year plan for Iowa’s cancer-control community to address cancer issues in Iowa. Cancer remains the second leading cause of death in Iowa. Based on data from the Iowa Cancer Registry, in 2023 there are projected to be 22,000 Iowans diagnosed with cancer and 6,300 cancer deaths in Iowa. These projections take into account the COVID-19 pandemic and delays in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer because of health care closures, disruptions in employment and health insurance, and fear of COVID-19 exposure. According to the National Cancer Institute, it’s estimated nearly 9.5 million individuals missed cancer screenings across the US because of the pandemic.
To identify the unique cancer-control needs across the state, the Iowa Cancer Consortium partnered with coalition members and cancer experts to produce a plan containing data-driven strategies and best practices aimed at reducing the burden of cancer in Iowa. The Iowa Cancer Plan addresses the following areas:
- Health Equity: Identify and eliminate health disparities;
- Prevention and Risk Reduction: Whenever possible, prevent cancer from occurring;
- Early Detection and Screening: Promote the benefits of screening tests to ensure early diagnosis;
- Diagnosis and Cancer-Directed Therapy: Reduce barriers to care, promote evidence-based practices and encourage participation in clinical trials; and
- Survivorship and End-of-Life Care: Ensure resources to optimize quality of life for cancer survivors and their families.
The latest version of the Iowa Cancer Plan is the sixth in the organization’s history. Newly-added priorities include investment in Iowa’s oncology workforce; reducing exposure to environmental carcinogens; strengthening access to cancer risk-assessment and genetic-counseling services; enhancing awareness and research support for ovarian cancer; and providing high-quality pediatric and adolescent/young adult (AYA) oncology care.
“As we continue to navigate our way through the pandemic, it is important to recognize that cancer does not wait. Cancer continues to be a complex and costly disease and we must do everything we can to reduce the burden it puts on Iowans and their families,” said Iowa Cancer Consortium, President, Dr Mary Charlton. “Reducing the burden of cancer in Iowa will take the collective work of all Iowans, researchers, health-care providers, elected officials, public health professionals, and communities to make big change. The Iowa Cancer Plan outlines how we can all work together to do just that.”
The Iowa Cancer Consortium will continue to bring Iowans together around the Iowa Cancer Plan to address the unique needs of communities including providing education, funding, and support for local cancer control projects.
The complete Iowa Cancer Plan (2023-2027) can be found at canceriowa.org.
Additionally, the 2023-2027 Iowa Cancer Plan includes stories from Iowans who have lived with cancer.
- Health Equity: Black Hawk County (Iowa) Community Steering Committee: https://youtu.be/5P9S2zlI9M8
- Prevention and Risk Reduction (Radon): A Win in Public Policy: https://youtu.be/WurAimV672U
- Screening and Early Detection: Colorectal Cancer Collaboration: https://youtu.be/MdgAXNg-KpI
- Reducing Barriers to Care: Above + Beyond Cancer Hotel Program: https://youtu.be/vBXjn0uwGIs
- Quality of Life: Patient Navigation: https://youtu.be/ej_-3B6vvMM
The Iowa Cancer Consortium is a partnership of nearly 600 health-care providers, public health professionals, caregivers, researchers, cancer survivors, volunteers, and other Iowans who work together to reduce the burden of cancer in our state. Through collaboration, the Consortium enhances partners’ abilities to address cancer prevention, early detection, treatment, and quality of life in Iowa. www.canceriowa.org
