Iowans whose lives have been touched by pancreatic cancer are optimistic Friday's death of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg allows people to understand more about what's considered the world's toughest form of cancer. Beth Day of Urbandale is a six-year survivor of pancreatic cancer … [Read more...]
Cancer fundraisers going virtual
This summer's major fundraisers for the American Cancer Society in Iowa are undergoing significant changes due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Relay For Life is held every summer in many Iowa cities to raise funds for research and services for cancer patients and their families. Iowa chapter … [Read more...]
Grant will help increase screenings for colorectal cancer
The Iowa Department of Public Health has landed a five-year, four-point-four million dollar grant from the CDC to boost colorectal cancer screenings. Jeanna Jones, the agency's screening promotions coordinator, says too few Iowans are being screened for colon cancer, which is often preventable by … [Read more...]
‘Wear Red Day’ shows support for the fight against heart disease
Iowans who look around the workplace today are likely to spot someone sporting a crimson sweater, dress or tie as part of National Wear Red Day. Jolene Bopp, a spokeswoman for the Iowa chapter of the American Heart Association, says this day means more than just tossing on an Iowa State … [Read more...]
Small increase in pancreatic cancer survival rate seen as big victory
The five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer was raised this week from nine to ten-percent. While that still means a devastating 9 out of 10 people who are diagnosed with that form of cancer won't beat it, the single-percentage uptick represents significant progress. Pam Anderson is one of … [Read more...]
U-I is part of ovarian cancer study
The Iowa Department of Public Health is part of an ovarian cancer study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Mary Charlton at the University of Iowa says they are trying to find out why women don't go to a gynecologic oncologist for treatment. "The guidelines says that the … [Read more...]
Iowa has 35th lowest survival rate for lung cancer
A new report from the American Lung Association shows Iowa has one of the lowest survival rates for lung cancer in country. The association found 19% of lung cancer patients survived five years after their initial diagnosis. That's 3.7% worse that the national average. "Lung cancer is the … [Read more...]
Exercise found to protect the hearts of chemo patients
Studies on cancer patients from Iowa and Nebraska who are undergoing chemotherapy find there are great benefits from low-intensity exercise. Creighton University Professor Eric Bredahl, in the department of exercise science, says even moderate physical activity can help slow tumor growth, while … [Read more...]
Many Iowa communities set to participate in Relay for Life fundraisers
One of the most successful fundraisers for the American Cancer Society is now underway in Iowa. The Relay for Life is being held in nearly 80 Iowa communities this year. Tina Coleman, spokeswoman for the American Cancer Society in Iowa, says the premise is simple as teammates take turns walking … [Read more...]
Study finds possible link between nitrates and cancer
A nationwide study shows Iowans are at an increased risk of health effects from nitrate exposure. Researchers from the Environmental Working Group and Duke University estimate as many as 12,000 cancer cases each year nationwide may be linked to nitrates in drinking water. Alexis Temkin is one … [Read more...]