CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — A new report from Linn County Public Health highlights disparities in cancer diagnoses and access to care. The research, which looked at data going back to 2017, found that cancer does not affect all communities equally.
“Cancer affects everybody, but not equitably,” said Dr. Pramod Dwivedi, Director of Public Health for Linn County.
The report examined differences across gender, race, and geography. Dr. Dwivedi says the findings point to imbalances in both diagnosis and treatment—particularly for communities of color.
“Disparities that we saw were also because of access to health care,” he said. “Rural versus urban, for example. People of color—specifically African American versus non-African American—access to care was another area we saw in our report.”
The data showed disproportionately higher rates of colorectal, lung, prostate, and breast cancer among non-Hispanic Black and African American residents.
One key takeaway from the report is the importance of prevention. Dr. Dwivedi says there are steps people can take, starting with vaccinations.
“Some of the cancers we can prevent, like with the HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines. HPV can help avoid cervical and even some lung cancers,” he said. “Screening is also important, so we know our status.”
He emphasized the importance of routine cancer screenings.
“We have all kinds of screenings—for prostate cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer,” Dr. Dwivedi said. “We need to be doing that as prescribed by your healthcare provider.”
While lifestyle and environmental factors can contribute to cancer, many causes remain unknown.
“There’s a whole host of risk factors: genetics, biological vulnerability, the things we inherit from our parents and grandparents,” he said. “Those are also important factors.”
Dr. Dwivedi added that public health systems need support in order to continue providing care. One recommendation from the report is to ensure people have access to coverage like Medicaid.
“Public health is a team sport. We need resources,” he said. “Programs that are proven to save lives—like Care for Yourself—need to be available. Medicaid needs to be there so people can access healthcare. Otherwise, we can’t address this public health issue in our community.”
Linn County Public Health is currently offering low-cost breast cancer screenings for Iowans between the ages of 21 and 64. Income requirements apply, but referrals are available for those who don’t qualify. The program runs through the end of the month.