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 annual report, produced by the College of Public Health at the University of Iowa, notes that the state of Iowa has the fourth-highest incidence of alcohol-related cancers in the U.S. and has the highest rate in the Midwest.

 A number of news stories were generated about the report and news conference that took place Feb. 20, 2024.

Media Coverage

Cancer Prevention Month: Iowa experts share tips to lower your risk (KGAN)

Report finds Iowa has one of the fastest growing rates of new cancers in the nation (Iowa Public Radio)

Alcohol could be tied to Iowa’s fastest-growing cancer rate (The Gazette)

Annual ‘Cancer in Iowa’ report highlights alcohol related risks (KCRG and KTIV)

Iowa Cancer Registry warns of potential dangers of excessive drinking in annual cancer report (KWWL)

Binge drinking in Iowa driving its high cancer rates (KWQC)

Iowa’s growing cancer rates linked to high alcohol consumption, study finds (KGAN)

Report: Cancer cases are rising in Iowa while cancer deaths fall (Radio Iowa)

Is Iowa drinking itself to death? Report suggests tie beween high cancer rate, alcohol (Iowa Capitol Dispatch, Press-Citizen, Des Moines Register, Ames Tribune)

Iowa again ranks second for highest, fastest-growing number of cancer cases in US (Daily Iowan)

Alcohol listed as important factor in Iowa’s rising cancer rates (WHO)

Cancer Education Series – Cancer in Iowa 2024 (Above + Beyond Cancer podcast)