IOWA, USA — A new program is hoping to raise money and awareness for Iowa farmers facing a cancer diagnosis.
The American Cancer Society Iowa Area Board launched 'Farmers Against Cancer' in early June. The program works to connect rural Iowans to treatments and screenings needed to prevent, detect, treat and survive cancer. It also raises money and creates corporate partnerships to fund other programs within the ACS that helps Iowans dealing with a cancer diagnosis.
"When I began thinking about how we could make a difference I immediately thought of the farmers who help this state thrive. I knew we had to rally around this small but mighty community," said Britt Von Roden, Iowa Area Board member and creator of FAC.
The 2024 Cancer in Iowa report from the Iowa Cancer Registry shows the state ranks second in the country in cancer incidence rates, following only Kentucky. Iowa also has the fastest-growing rate of new cancers. In particular, skin melanoma, often due to excessive sun exposure, accounts for 6.8% of new cancers among Iowa residents.
It can be difficult for those in rural areas to access treatment.
Some of the programs FAC hopes to fund include The American Cancer Society Russell and Ann Gerdin Hope Lodge in Iowa City. It's a free place for cancer patients to stay while receiving treatment in Iowa City. In just one year, Hope Lodge saved guests an average of $1.5 million in hotel costs.
"We also have the Road to Recovery program, which is a really great program in terms of Iowa because people need to get to and from treatment, and that can be really difficult. So this driving assistance, this driving service allows patients to get to their treatments, to and from, for free," Von Roden said.
You can check out FAC by clicking here.
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