Marion County Public Health to Lead Statewide Effort to Reduce Cancer in Iowa

The initiative aims to address high cancer rates in rural areas through prevention, screening, and improved access to care.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Marion County Public Health has received a grant from the State of Iowa to lead a statewide effort called "Healthy Hometowns: Combat Cancer Prevention and Screening." The initiative will work with local public health departments across 87 rural Iowa counties to implement cancer prevention, screening, early detection, and improved access to care.

Why it matters

Iowa has the second highest new cancer incident rates in the nation, and Marion County is in the top third within the state. This statewide effort aims to address these high cancer rates, particularly in rural areas, through a coordinated, evidence-based approach.

The details

As the lead contractor for the grant, Marion County Public Health will collaborate with local public health departments to deliver targeted cancer awareness messaging, expand access to screening and early detection services, reduce lung cancer risk through radon testing and mitigation, strengthen the rural radon mitigation workforce, and improve access to cancer-related health services through telehealth and financial assistance.

  • In February 2026, Marion County Public Health received a notice of intent to award from the State of Iowa through the Rural Health Transformation Program.

The players

Marion County Public Health

The lead contractor for the statewide cancer prevention and screening initiative, which will collaborate with local public health departments across 87 rural Iowa counties.

Linsey Spoelstra

The director of Marion County Public Health, who believes public health is the best outlet to address Iowa's high cancer rates.

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What they’re saying

“Iowa is number two for new cancer incident rates in the nation which is not a spot we want to hold and Marion County is in the top third within Iowa. This is something that needs to be addressed and I think public health is the place to address it. We have worked for decades with our communities, we know the people, we know their vulnerabilities and we can educate them on why this is so important to have early detection and screening.”

— Linsey Spoelstra, Director, Marion County Public Health (KNIA/KRLS)

The takeaway

This statewide initiative led by Marion County Public Health aims to tackle Iowa's high cancer rates, particularly in rural areas, through a coordinated effort focused on prevention, screening, early detection, and improved access to care. By leveraging the expertise and relationships of local public health departments, the program hopes to make meaningful progress in reducing cancer-related disparities across the state.