The first ever Iowa cancer summit got underway this morning in West Des Moines. Karla Wysocki, the health promotions director for the Iowa chapter of the American Cancer Society, says people from various groups across the state are participating.
Wysocki says they have speakers who’re sharing some new things and new data about cancer, as well as sharing some new tools, information, and best practice for fighting cancer across the state. Wysocki says there’s a feeling they’re gaining ground in the fight against cancer. She says there’s been a lot of new things that have helped them gain ground, with one of the biggest the increase in the tobacco tax that Wysocki says has help cut the number of current and new smokers. Wysocki says the Iowa Legislature also gave money this year to help control cancer in Iowa.
The theme for the summit is "The Power of Collaboration." Wysocki says the Iowa Consortium for Comprehensive Control includes over 50 organizations from across the state, and says there’s no way they can fight cancer individually and be successful. Wysocki says the consortium has been around for five years and they are showcasing their success today.
Wysocki says the Iowa consortium is one of two in the United States to gain national recognition for their work. The cancer summit runs through this afternoon at the West Des Monies Marriott.