Courage in Action: Cancer Survivors Unite at State Capitol to Advocate for Change
Cancer Advocates Gathered at the Statehouse Today to Say Ohio Can and Must Do Better to Reduce the Burden of Cancer
Legislative Action Needed to Reduce Burden of Cancer on Iowans
May 4, 2026
DES MOINES, Iowa – Statement from Jackie Cale, American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) Iowa government relations director:
“ACS CAN is disappointed that lawmakers closed the legislative session without passing major legislation to ease the burden of cancer on Iowans. Iowa has the 2nd highest incident rate for cancer in the U.S., and our cancer rates continue to rise.
“The legislature failed to raise the state cigarette tax by $1.50 per pack – on par with neighboring states – and tax all other tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, at 50% of the wholesale price. This should be a top priority for the legislature. Early this year, Dr. Mary Charlton, Director of the Iowa Cancer Registry spelled it out, ‘Raising the tobacco tax is the single most impactful public health policy to help reduce cancer and deaths. Period.’ Not only is this policy effective in reducing our cancer burden, it is widely popular across the political spectrum. A poll from earlier this year found two-thirds of registered voters (66%) in Iowa say they would support a $1.50 increase in the state cigarette tax and a similar increase on other tobacco products. Big Tobacco’s 5¢ tax on e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches will not have a meaningful impact on cancer rates.
“In addition, the state legislature’s vote to restrict access to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for minors will make our cancer crisis worse. Childhood vaccinations are a powerful tool in preventing viruses that cause cancer. Up to 90% of cervical cancers can be prevented through HPV vaccination. Decades of data have shown that HPV vaccination is safe, and cervical cancer rates have decreased by 69% among young women who were the first group of individuals to have access to the HPV vaccine as children.
“Lawmakers also voted on a bill that will make it harder for Iowans to access healthcare. They removed retroactive eligibility for Medicaid expansion enrollees with exemptions only for pregnant women, kids, and nursing home residents. SF 2422 is more restrictive than HR1, will cause issues for enrollees, and drive-up uncompensated care. Retroactive eligibility is critical for cancer patients who may have accrued significant, immediate costs upon diagnosis before navigating the application process. Medicaid provides a vital safety net for approximately one in five adults newly diagnosed with cancer and has historically been associated with improvements in cancer outcomes.
“ACS CAN will continue to work with lawmakers from both parties and educate them on policy solutions that will end cancer as we know it, for everyone.”
###
About ACS CAN
The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) makes cancer a top priority for policymakers at every level of government. ACS CAN empowers volunteers across the country to make their voices heard to influence evidence-based public policy change that improves the lives of people with cancer and their families. We believe everyone should have a fair and just opportunity to prevent, find, treat, and survive cancer. Since 2001, as the American Cancer Society’s nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy affiliate, ACS CAN has successfully advocated for billions of dollars in cancer research funding, expanded access to quality affordable health care, and advanced proven tobacco control measures. We’re more determined than ever to stand together with our volunteers to end cancer as we know it, for everyone. Join the fight by visiting www.fightcancer.org.
More Press Releases About