More Iowans surviving cancer than ever before
The Iowa Cancer Registry at the University of Iowa has tracked cancer cases, survival rates, and deaths from cancer in Iowa since 1973.
Nearly 172,000 cancer survivors currently live in Iowa—about 5.4% of the population—according to the latest “Cancer in Iowa” report issued by the Iowa Cancer Registry at the University of Iowa.
The report, produced annually by the UI College of Public Health, highlights that more Iowans are surviving cancer than ever before. According to the report, the growing number of survivors presents unique needs that require specialized support from health care providers, communities, and caregivers.
The 2025 report adds to the wealth of data the Iowa Cancer Registry has collected over the past 52 years, providing Iowans with a trusted source for high-quality data about cancer trends.
By tracking cancer cases, survival rates, and deaths from cancer in the state since 1973, the registry has enabled researchers and activated resources to help prevent and better treat cancer.
The 2025 report notes that Iowa continues to have the second-highest rate of newly diagnosed cancers, when adjusted for differences in age among U.S. states. Also included are county-by-county statistics, summaries of new research projects, and a special section focused on cancer survivorship.
Of the approximately 172,000 cancer survivors living in Iowa, here are a few who received treatment at University of Iowa Health Care:
Scarlette Wheelock
Clinton, Iowa
Survivor of brain cancer
After experiencing mysterious symptoms, a second opinion in 2022 led Scarlette Wheelock to University of Iowa Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital, where specialists discovered the preschooler had brain cancer.
Surgery and subsequent tests of the tumor revealed that it was cancerous but had not spread. Doctors with the Pediatric Brain Tumor Clinic at Stead Family Children’s Hospital — the first of its kind in Iowa and one of just a few in the United States — cared for Scarlette.
Scarlette underwent weekly chemotherapy treatments for about 14 months until July 2023. The section of the tumor that could not be removed has continued to be stable.
Since her cancer treatment, Scarlette has been able to visit Disney World, play softball and soccer, and conquer the rock wall at the trampoline park.
Linda Jacobs
DeWitt, Iowa
Survivor of breast cancer and angiosarcoma
Linda Jacobs was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2015 and radiation-induced angiosarcoma in 2021. After conventional treatments to treat her angiosarcoma failed, Linda decided to join a clinical trial at University of Iowa Health Care.
Every two weeks, Linda received an injection of RP1, a genetically modified herpes simplex virus, into her tumor. Each injection was followed by an infusion of a monoclonal antibody to prevent the cancer cells from suppressing the immune system.
As a result of the treatment, Linda’s tumors shrank, and she is now cancer-free. She calls the innovative treatment “a miracle” and credits it for her recovery.
Since Linda’s cancer treatment, she has been able to spend time with her grandchildren, travel to Mexico, and train a new puppy.
Jordan Hauck
Huxley, Iowa
Survivor of melanoma
Jordan Hauck was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma at age 27. After discovering a lump in his armpit, he sought treatment with University of Iowa Health Care and found that the cancer had spread to his lungs and liver.
Jordan participated in a clinical trial involving a combination of oral medication targeting the cancer’s metabolic pathway and high-dose injections of a protein to help his immune system kill the cancer cells. Within a year, Jordan was cancer-free. He has had no recurrence of cancer since 2023.
Since Jordan’s cancer treatment, he has welcomed a second daughter to their family, vacationed with his wife in Hawaii and the Caribbean, and raised more than $25,000 for skin cancer research and awareness.
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