Cancer
.
Division of Health Promotion & Chronic Disease Prevention
Phone: 515-281-0925
www.idph.state.ia.us/hpcdp/comp_cancer_control.asp
The numbers are sobering – nearly 16,000 Iowans will be diagnosed with cancer this year and 6,300 will die. But
cancer statistics are more than numbers. They represent real people – you, your relatives, neighbors, co-workers,
and friends. The Iowa Cancer programs are there to help prevent, detect, and treat cancer – one person at a time.
During a routine physical exam, “Karen” discovered a lump in her breast. She was concerned about how she
would pay for needed testing. With the help of IDPH and the local Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening
program, Karen received the tests, and cancer was confirmed. That was the beginning of Karen’s journey of
survival, a journey that IDPH and program nurses took with her, offering help with medical expenses, education,
and friendly support every step of the way.
As Karen wrote to IDPH, “Thank goodness a program like this exists in the community.”
Did you know? Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in Iowa.
Why are Cancer programs important to promoting
and protecting the health of Iowans?
● Cancer is a statewide problem that affects nearly all
Iowans; either their own, someone in their family, co-
workers, or friends.
● Many types of cancer can be prevented, or when
detected early, can be successfully treated.
● More than half of Iowans diagnosed with cancer will
survive it.
What do the Cancer programs do?
● The Comprehensive Cancer Control (CCC) program
works with the Iowa Consortium for Comprehensive
Cancer Control (ICCCC) to develop the state cancer
control plan, and put it into action. The program provides
financial support for many projects working to reduce the
burden of cancer in Iowa. For more information on the
state cancer control plan, go to www.canceriowa.org or
www.idph.state.ia.us/hpcdp/iowas_cancer_plan.asp.
● The program also supports two colorectal cance