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More Iowans are surviving cancer than ever before, but this population has unique needs that require specialized support from health care providers, communities, and caregivers, according to the 2025 Cancer in Iowa report issued by the Iowa Cancer Registry.

Iowans’ alcohol consumption—in volume and frequency—is among the highest in the nation, and puts residents at greater risk for cancer, according to the 2024 Cancer in Iowa report issued by the Iowa Cancer Registry.

The Iowa Cancer Registry, at the University of Iowa, has been tracking cancer cases, survival rates, and deaths from cancer in the state since 1973. The wealth of data has enabled researchers to learn that Iowa, for example, has the second-highest cancer rate (or incidence) in the United States and the highest rate of head and neck cancer in the country. Such knowledge triggers resources—money, research, and doctors—to focus on how to prevent and better treat cancer.

The Iowa Cancer Registry (ICR), based in the University of Iowa College of Public Health, is one of the 9 original NCI-funded registries in the US and has been providing students with unique educational and research opportunities that give them a head start in the professional careers.

The 2022 Cancer in Iowa report issued by the Health Registry of Iowa highlights the importance of cancer screenings to detect the disease early, when treatment is likely to be more successful.