Iowa the Beautiful?

Iowa is often associated with its iconic cornfields and farms, but the state offers much more than that. From rolling hills to towering bluffs and rushing rivers, Iowa is home to breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. Despite its natural beauty, Iowa faces significant environmental and health challenges. Issues like water contamination, pesticide use, and alarming cancer rates have become pressing concerns for the state.

Is our water safe? • Iowa ranks among the top 4 states for the highest level of nitrates in its water.

Is our soil safe? • Iowa is also a leader in the use of weed killers.

What is something else that contributes to Iowa's standing? • Iowa has the 4th highest incidence of alcohol-related cancers in the U.S., and the highest rate in the Midwest.

What is our national standing? • Iowa has the 2nd highest and fastest-rising cancer rate in the United States. There are currently 1 in 20 Iowans living with cancer.

Is our environment contributing to Iowa's cancer crisis? While factors like lifestyle choices and genetics play a role, many are beginning to question the impact of environmental exposures on our health.

The 2025 Cancer in Iowa Report provides information on the status of cancer in our state, including the following:

• It is estimated that 21,000 new, invasive cancers (meaning cancers that were diagnosed as stages 1-4 as well as in situ or stage 0) will be diagnosed in 2025.

• An estimated 6,100 Iowans will die from cancer.

• The number of cancer survivors is growing, with an estimated 168,610 survivors in Iowa.

Each one of these Iowans represented by the statistics heard the dreaded words, “You have cancer." Receiving that diagnosis can throw your life into chaos and confusion. Your mind starts spinning when you hear all the new medical terms and facts. You may not understand all your options for treatments, yet you must make massive decisions that will impact you and your family not only physically, but emotionally and financially for years to come.

In her January Condition of the State address, Governor Kim Reynolds proposed a plan to create a partnership between the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services and the University of Iowa. This partnership would establish a team of epidemiologists to research the behavioral, genetic, and environmental factors contributing to Iowa's health issues.

In an interview at WQAD News8 in Moline, Ill., Senate President Amy Sinclair, said, "I have spoken with folks at the University of Iowa and understand the need for that. I think we do need to know the 'why.' …to see if that can be included in that Health and Human Services budget. I think it's valuable to Iowans and I think it's valuable to the University of Iowa to start moving in the right direction."

House Minority Leader Jennifer Konfrost says $1 million is a nice start to study the issue but that doesn’t help anyone currently getting a diagnosis today or tomorrow. NOTE: This proposal still needs to be approved by the state legislature to move forward and begin the research process.

At Beyond Pink TEAM, TEAM stands for Take action, Educate, Advocate, and Make a difference—and that’s exactly what we strive to do every day.

Taking Action: We offer support groups to help manage the emotional and physical toll of cancer treatments.

Educating: We have compiled resources and videos, ‘The Cancer Journey,’ available on our website, guiding patients through every step of their cancer experience.

Advocating: We attend the National Breast Cancer Coalition Summit annually to stay informed on the latest research and push for critical legislative support. We show up and ask good questions when cancer care and healthcare are being discussed.

Making a Difference: Thanks to our generous community, we provide financial assistance for medical and living expenses to those diagnosed with breast cancer for those in Black Hawk County and Northeast Iowa.

Together, We Can Make a Difference Our dedicated volunteers can’t do it alone--we need YOU to keep breast cancer prevention and treatment a top priority in Iowa. Your voice matters. By advocating for better policies, supporting life-saving research, and standing with us, you can help create a healthier future for everyone in our state. Stay connected and make a difference.

Follow Beyond Pink TEAM and Iowa Stop Breast Cancer on Facebook and join the movement to make Iowa a truly “beautiful land” for all.

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