The Farmers Against Cancer campaign launched earlier this month
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
A campaign launched through the American Cancer Society in Iowa is helping farmers and rural Iowans access important cancer support.
The American Cancer Society Iowa Area Board launched Farmers Against Cancer (FAC) earlier in June to connect rural Iowans with treatment and screenings needed to detect, treat and prevent cancer.
Organizers put the program together to raise awareness about cancer and the American Cancer Society, said Britt Con Roden, creator of the FAC campaign.
“The farming community is massive, and we need a way to better support that community,” she told WQAD, adding that her farming family has had personal experiences with cancer.
Iowa ranks second in cancer incidence rates across the U.S.
Data from the National Cancer Institute shows Iowa’s incidence rate is 486.8 per 100,000 people and rising. Only Kentucky has a higher rate at 506.8 per 100,000 people but its trend is stable.
Accessing care can be a challenge financially.
Additional information from the National Cancer Institute says the average cost of initial care per prostate cancer patient was more than $28,000 in 2020. A breast cancer patient paid almost an average of $35,000 for initial care, and melanoma patients paid more than $8,500 in 2020.
People can support FAC through donations or clothing purchases.
Raygun, a printing, design & clothing company, had created FAC t-shirts for sale.
The company will donate $10 from every $35 t-shirt sale to the Farmers Against Cancer campaign.