Iowa’s cancer crisis & lawmakers’ focus on education
Iowa is confronting two urgent issues: a sharp rise in cancer cases that outpaces the national average, and a heated state‑house hearing over the hiring of former Des Moines Public Schools superintendent Ian Roberts, whose arrest raised questions about district hiring safeguards.
Why Iowa’s Cancer Rates Are Raising Alarm
More than 20,000 Iowans receive a cancer diagnosis each year, a figure that exceeds national trends by thousands. University of Iowa researchers noted 2,582 additional cases beyond what national patterns would predict, spanning lung, melanoma, prostate, breast and colorectal cancers.
Mary Charleton, director of the Iowa Cancer Registry, said the upward trend began around 2014. Even after accounting for behavioral and demographic factors such as smoking, drinking, obesity, insurance coverage and education, the state’s rates remain higher than expected.
State Response and Ongoing Research
Governor Kim Reynolds has tasked researchers with uncovering the drivers behind the excess cases, acknowledging that a full answer would require decades‑long data on diet, residence, pesticide exposure and other environmental factors. Dean Edith Parker explained that the first phase of the study focused on behavioral and demographic variables.
Researchers have also mapped county‑level disparities, identifying 13 counties where cancer rates remain significantly higher after adjustments. Six counties in the northwest and Linn County show elevated prostate cancer, while Tama and Johnson counties stand out for breast cancer among adults 20‑44, and Harrison, Warren and Washington counties for breast cancer among those 55 and older.
The next research phase will examine genetic and environmental contributors such as radon, water quality and pesticide exposure. Meanwhile, the state’s medical director urges residents to test homes for radon, limit alcohol, avoid tobacco, protect skin from UV exposure and stay current with cancer screenings.
Legislative Action on Prevention
Governor Reynolds’ proposed legislative package would raise Iowa’s tobacco tax for the first time in 19 years—the last increase occurring in 2007—while also taxing vaping products. The plan includes new nutrition requirements for physicians, adjustments to food‑assistance programs and a ban on certain dyes and additives in school meals. Approximately 15 % of Iowans continue to use tobacco.
Education Oversight After the Roberts Hiring Controversy
Former Des Moines Public Schools superintendent Ian Roberts was arrested last fall on federal immigration charges after it was discovered he had overstayed a deportation order, falsely claimed U.S. Citizenship and lacked legal work authorization. The House Education Committee held a more‑than‑hour hearing to probe how the district’s hiring process missed these critical issues.
District chair Kim Marturano testified that the board hired nationally known search firm JG Consulting, which promised thorough vetting. A background check conducted through the firm’s third‑party vendor reported no red flags regarding eligibility, performance history or integrity.
Lawmakers highlighted a prior firearms citation against Roberts, noting that the district had not pursued the citation. The board explained that the citation resulted in a small fine and did not disqualify him from holding a superintendent license. After the arrest, investigators found a gun and hunting knife in a district vehicle, and Roberts later pleaded guilty to two federal charges involving firearms and false statements.
Interim superintendent Matt Smith said no other unauthorized employees are currently working in the district. The district now uses E‑Verify and is undergoing a federal I‑9 audit to strengthen employment verification.
Potential Next Steps for School Hiring Practices
Analysts expect the district may adopt stricter vetting protocols, possibly expanding the use of E‑Verify and conducting more frequent third‑party audits. Lawmakers could push for statewide legislation mandating additional background‑check layers for school administrators. Ongoing scrutiny may also prompt the district to revise its contracts with search firms to include explicit requirements for immigration‑status verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Iowans are diagnosed with cancer each year?
More than 20,000 Iowans receive a cancer diagnosis annually.
What actions is the state taking to address the high cancer rates?
The University of Iowa is conducting a multi‑phase study to identify behavioral, demographic and environmental factors. Governor Reynolds has proposed a legislative package that raises the tobacco tax, taxes vaping products, updates nutrition guidelines for physicians and bans certain additives in school meals. Public health officials also recommend radon testing, limiting alcohol, avoiding tobacco, protecting skin and staying up to date with screenings.
Why were Des Moines Public Schools leaders questioned by lawmakers?
Lawmakers questioned the district after former superintendent Ian Roberts was arrested for immigration violations and discovered to have a firearms citation that was not flagged during the hiring process. The hearing examined the district’s reliance on a third‑party search firm, background‑check procedures and the need for stronger employment verification.
What do you think Iowa should prioritize to protect the health of its residents?