ATLANTA — Overall cancer incidence rates in the United States continue to decline, but several states including Iowa are experiencing increases, according to new data released by the American Cancer Society.
The American Cancer Society’s Cancer Facts & Figures 2026 report, published in January, projects approximately 2,114,850 new cancer cases and 626,140 cancer deaths in the United States this year. While national trends show improvement, state-level variations highlight ongoing challenges.
“Iowa has the second-highest cancer incidence in the country and is one of only three states where rates are rising,” a recent PBS NewsHour report on the trends stated, citing state registry data.
Nationally, age-adjusted cancer incidence rates have fallen in recent years, driven by reductions in lung cancer and other smoking-related cancers, as well as advances in early detection and prevention. However, Iowa reported an incidence rate of about 498.8 cases per 100,000 people from 2018-2022, ranking second highest among states, with rates continuing to rise, according to federal and state cancer profiles.
Experts attribute variations to factors including population demographics, screening rates, lifestyle, and environmental influences, though specific causes for Iowa’s increase remain under study. Iowa’s cancer registry has noted high rates particularly in prostate, breast, lung cancers and melanoma.
The report also highlights progress in mortality, with overall cancer death rates continuing to decline due to better treatments and earlier diagnoses. Five-year survival rates for all cancers combined reached a milestone of 70 percent for diagnoses between 2015 and 2021.
In Iowa, more than one in 20 residents have had a cancer diagnosis, and the number of survivors is expected to grow as incidence rises while death rates fall, the state’s 2025 cancer report indicated. Officials there are focusing on survivor support and prevention efforts.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state registries contribute to the national data through programs like the National Program of Cancer Registries. Broader declines are linked to public health measures such as tobacco control and increased HPV vaccination.
As health authorities review the latest figures, state and federal officials continue to emphasize targeted interventions in areas with rising trends. Further details on specific risk factors and localized responses in Iowa and other states were outlined in the full ACS report and related analyses.
