The latest annual report on cancer in Iowa estimates 16,900 new cancers will be diagnosed among Iowa residents in 2015. In addition, an estimated 6,400 Iowans will die from cancer, according to the “Cancer in Iowa: 2015” report released today, Friday, March 13, by the State Health Registry of Iowa, based in the University of Iowa College of Public Health.

“Cancer and heart disease remain the leading causes of death in Iowa,” says Mary Charlton, assistant professor of epidemiology at the UI College of Public Health. “The distribution and frequency of the different types of cancer are similar to what we’ve seen in recent years.” According to Charlton, lung cancer will be the most common cause of cancer death for both males and females, accounting for one out of every four cancer deaths in Iowa.

The report, based on data from the Iowa Cancer Registry and the Iowa Department of Public Health, is available online in the “publications” section on the registry’s website, or by calling the registry at 319-335-8609. The report includes county-by-county statistics, summaries of new research projects, and a section focused on skin melanoma.

While largely preventable, skin melanoma is one of the fastest growing cancers in Iowa and is the fifth most common cancer in both males and females. Experts say several factors have likely contributed to the increase, including increased early exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, heightened public awareness and earlier diagnosis. (Read the full Iowa Now story)

Additional Media Coverage

View event photos (CPH Facebook page)

Report shows skin cancer epidemic in Iowa (Iowa Public Radio)

Cancer report focuses on dangers of melanoma in Iowa (Press-Citizen)

Report shows lung cancer the top killer of Iowans (Radio Iowa)

UI Doctor Diagnosed While Researching (KGAN)

Iowa cancer researchers expect slight dip in cases (The Gazette)

Press conference video

For video from the press conference presentations, contact mitch-overton@uiowa.edu