ISL’s series The Hot Spot: Investigating Cancer in Iowa comes to an end, but one big question remains: What are we going to do about this crisis?
Cancer in Iowa isn’t just about the research studies and the statistics. Real Iowans and their families are behind each diagnosis.
We sent out 100 nitrate tests to Iowans across the state, who found levels that exceeded safety guidelines. Experts say these levels may increase cancer risk.
To help reduce Iowa's cancer rates, the government will need to take action. We’ve got some ideas on where to start.
Iowa is fourth in the nation for rates of alcohol-related cancers, and highest in the Midwest.
It is possible to reduce your risk of cancer. Iowa health experts share more.
Iowa has the highest radon levels in the nation, and doctors say the gas is causing hundreds of lung cancer deaths every year.
Iowa has the second-highest cancer rate in America, and Dr. Richard Deming has been fighting this crisis for four decades. In this powerful conversation, Iowa's leading oncologist reveals what you can actually do about it.
On this episode of Cornhole Champions, we explore the mortality wake-up call that cancer brings and the simple---though not easy---steps that could save thousands of lives.
Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line with music by Avery Mossman and show art by Desirée Tapia. We are a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative.
*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
00:00 Iowa's Cancer Crisis: Why We're Second in America
05:30 The Mortality Wake-Up Call: Cancer Changes Everything
12:00 From Navy Diver to Cancer Fighter: An Unlikely Journey
20:00 Why Screening Saves Lives (But Can Also Harm)
28:00 Iowa's Two Big Problems: Radon and Farm Chemicals
34:00 The 45% Solution: What We Already Know Works
36:30 Why Smoking Is Still Cancer's Biggest Killer
42:00 Healthcare Access: The Hidden Cancer Crisis
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Cancer in Iowa isn’t just about treatment—it’s about surviving the system, asking why it happened, and living with the aftermath. Five Iowans share their stories.
Iowa faces the nation's worst cancer crisis, and now federal funding cuts are shaking up promising research. The Trump administration has slashed over $33 million in cancer research funding at the University of Iowa alone.
On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith, Amie Rivers, and Avery Staker explore how these cuts are devastating cancer research when Iowa needs it most.
Toss some bags at Iowa DOGE's pension grab... Josh Turek's Senate bid... And how cancer research cuts are shutting down labs across Iowa...
Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line. This podcast is produced by me and edited by Rebecca Steinberg. Our music is by Avery Mossman and our show art is from Desirée Tapia.
*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
00:00 Iowa's Cancer Crisis Gets Worse with Funding Cuts
01:30 The "Golden Halo": When Patients Invent Their Own Cures
03:30 $33 Million Cut from University of Iowa Cancer Research
04:00 Only 4% of New Cancer Research Proposals Get Funded
05:30 Why Private Funding Can't Replace Public Research
07:30 Young Researchers Forced Out of Cancer Research
08:00 Eli Lilly Recruiting Laid-Off Government Researchers
08:30 Why Cancer Can't Wait for Budget Convenience
*LISTEN AND SUBSCRIBE TO CORNHOLE CHAMPIONS:*
- YouTube - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2LsUFhizO07jdk5Wav4mOT7tArltF8z5&si=FryZd7N7tG5tJ5Ju
- Substack - https://cornholechampions.substack.com/
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