Cancer incidence rates in Linn County exceed both state and national averages, and Linn County Public Health (LCPH) has released a new report addressing our county’s elevated trends. Cancer Burden of Linn County details the significant public health challenges that cancer presents to our community and highlights the urgent need for targeted, local cancer prevention efforts.

Highlights from the Report

• Men in Linn County consistently experience higher cancer incidence and mortality

rates than women. Persistent sex-based dis- parities in cancer outcomes underscore the importance of targeted prevention, screening, and treatment efforts.

• There are also persistent racial disparities in our county’s cancer burden. Cancer incidence rates are highest among Black residents in Linn County.

• A geospatial analysis of cancer prevalence throughout the county highlights a growing cancer burden as one moves from urban to rural areas.

“I hope that the information contained within this report proves valuable to our community stakeholders, partners, and policymakers in their efforts to improve cancer prevention and care in Linn County,” said Pramod Dwivedi, Health Director at Linn County Public Health.

Linn County residents are encouraged to read the full report online at https://www.lin- ncountyiowa.gov/health