Q&A: Cancer in Iowa

Q&A: Cancer in Iowa

With U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley

Q: What did you learn from the recent report issued by the Iowa Cancer Registry?

A: The report found Iowa ranked second highest in the United States for new cancer cases. The findings show we've got more work to do to advance cancer awareness, prevention and treatments. It also helps explain why cancer is top of mind for Iowans who contact my office or when I visit with people face-to-face during my annual 99 county meetings. The Iowa Cancer Registry is financed in part with federal funds that I've worked to secure for Iowa from the Department of Health and Human Services. This year's annual report estimates 21,700 Iowans will be diagnosed with cancer in 2026 and 6,400 Iowans will die from the disease. Similar to the rest of the country, more younger Iowans are developing cancer. The good news is, the report estimates more than 175,000 Iowans with cancer will survive their diagnosis.

The Iowa Cancer Registry used data collected from the Agricultural Health Study that started more than three decades ago and includes farmers, their spouses and pesticide applicators in Iowa and North Carolina. The study tracks agricultural exposures, lifestyles and genetic factors to understand cancer risks in farming communities. Notably, Iowa farmers had 13% fewer cancers overall compared to the general population in Iowa, with the exceptions of prostate and lip cancers.

Farms across Iowa stay on top of soil stewardship to help mitigate nitrate runoff and limit pesticide use. No-till, buffer strips and cover crops help prevent excess nitrates from reaching waterways and following label instructions for proper fertilizer application can improve soil and water quality and help lower input costs. From one generation to the next, Iowa farmers have a vested interest in protecting natural resources that sustain their livelihoods and where they raise their families.

Q: How are you working in Congress to boost cancer prevention and access to treatment?

A: More than two decades ago, as then-chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I steered through Congress the first-ever Medicare prescription drug benefit, including coverage for pain management, oral chemotherapy and anti-nausea medication. I continue to work to improve access to medication by working to lower prescription drug costs and hold powerful drug middlemen, called pharmacy benefit managers, accountable. Expanding access to affordable cancer care, particularly in rural areas, is a top priority for me on behalf of Iowans at the policymaking tables in Washington, D.C.

Most recently, President Trump signed into law my bipartisan legislation that improves access to care for children with complex medical conditions, including cancer treatments. The Accelerating Kids' Access to Care Act reduces obstacles to care that helps parents and providers get kids the therapies and treatments they need to survive and thrive. My bill to extend telehealth access for Medicare patients was included in the federal spending bill signed into law in February. This makes it easier for patients to connect with their health care providers, including from home.

Last year, I helped advance the passage of the Rural Health Transformation Fund included in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. The $50 billion fund is the largest single investment in rural healthcare in history. Over the next five years, it will pump $10 billion every year into the rural healthcare pipeline, targeting access, infrastructure and the workforce. At a minimum, Iowa stands to gain at least $100 million per year. Each state will administer the funds through competitive grant requests. Iowa's project is called Healthy Hometowns and its priorities include adding advanced equipment, combating cancer and boosting provider recruitment and retention. Already, recipients are using these federal dollars to improve cancer care in their local communities, including:

• Jones Regional Hospital, Anamosa - Da Vinci surgical robot will bring surgical care closer to home for oncology patients and help recruit surgeons trained in robotics;
• Burgess Health Center, Onawa - Advanced mammography system to detect breast cancer;
• Unity Point, Marshalltown - Loan forgiveness grant to recruit an advanced nurse practitioner specializing in oncology, will bring cancer care closer to home so patients don't have to drive to Waterloo or Des Moines;
• Lucas County Health Center, Chariton - first-ever MRI machine onsite will bring early detection cancer screenings to local residents;
• Pella Regional Health Center, Pella - PET CT scan to detect and monitor cancer for local patients;
• Mahaska Health, Oskaloosa - PET CT scan to detect and monitor cancer and leveraging funds to recruit physician and physician assistant.

My wife, Barbara, is a 39-year breast cancer survivor. We're fortunate that her breast cancer was detected very early. Early detection remains one of the most effective ways to treat cancer. All of these efforts contribute to improving access to early detection and treatment.

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Brain Cancer Awareness Month, Bladder Cancer Awareness Month and National Cancer Research Month.

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