Health officials from across the country met in Ankeny this week at the request of Iowa state officials to discuss the significant surge in cancer cases in Iowa.
The state has the fastest-rising rate of cancer diagnoses nationwide, and second-highest new cases.
KCRG TV9 reports experts at the summit revealed their plans to concentrate research efforts on several key areas, including smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and exposure to pesticides.
Dr. Mary Charlton of the University of Iowa says the issue is complicated with no easy answer, as there is no "smoking gun" explaining the surge.
Panelists warned of the devastating impacts of federal cuts, and urged healthcare providers to advocate for more funding, with the Trump administration's fiscal year 2026 budget calling for a $2.7 billion funding cut to the National Cancer Institute.
The station adds that researchers plan to primarily study melanoma, lung, breast, and prostate cancers, as these represent the most prevalent new cases reported in the state.