Rep. Christian Hermanson of Mason City offers update on dealing with Iowa’s awful cancer affliction

The following is a legislative update from State Representative Christian Hermanson (R–Mason City), representing District 59 – the eastern half of Cerro Gordo county – in the Iowa Legislature:

Tackling Iowa’s Cancer Challenge

This week at the State Capitol, I joined a joint meeting of the House Health and Human Services and Environmental Protection Committees to receive the results of the first phase of our $1 million state-funded cancer research project. The 2026 Cancer in Iowa report provides a detailed look at the health challenges we face, noting that while mortality rates are declining and survivorship is at an all-time high, Iowa continues to have the second-highest rate of new cancer diagnoses in the country, behind Kentucky. This data is an important tool that will help us understand why our trends differ from the national average and where we should focus our efforts.

Researchers from the University of Iowa College of Public Health testified that while behavioral factors like obesity, smoking, and alcohol use are significant drivers, there was a noticeable upward divergence from national trends starting around 2013. The cause of which has yet to be identified. The report also brought some unexpected news: Iowa farmers actually have 13% fewer cancer cases than the general population, likely due to lower smoking rates and better overall fitness. However, a major concern remains for young adults aged 20 to 39, where Iowa ranks second-highest in the country for cancer incidence. Experts emphasized that we are in the early stages of looking into environmental factors, noting that we need better monitoring system data to fully understand any potential long-term risks.

In recent years, the Legislature has taken decisive action to support patients and prevention effprts. We successfully passed laws to expand biomarker testing, which allows for personalized “precision medicine” treatments, and provided new protections for firefighters facing high occupational cancer risks. We also enacted the Gail Orcutt School Radon Safety Act to require testing in our schools, as radon is a leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. These steps demonstrate our commitment to using legislation to improve health outcomes across the state.

Right now, the House is working on several new initiatives for the 2026 session. We are debating reforms to insurance “prior authorization” rules to ensure Iowans can get the screenings their doctors recommend without delay. Additionally, we have passed bills to require radon mitigation in new housing stock, as well as a well-monitoring bill to improve our data on water quality in rural areas. We are also reviewing proposals to ensure our researchers have the resources they need to provide the state with data-driven recommendations. This ongoing research is critical for developing a long-term strategy that addresses the specific needs of Iowans.

Having lost several close family members to cancer, this issue is deeply personal to me. My focus remains on the health and well-being of families across our great state, and I am committed to following the science to implement common-sense policies that prioritize prevention, early detection, and effective treatment. While it has become clear that the single greatest preventive steps we can take as individuals are to quit smoking, stay fit, and have our homes tested for radon, we must also work collectively to ensure that Iowa families have the support and resources they need to face these challenges. If you would like to see the data for yourself, you can watch the full presentation from the University of Iowa researchers at this link.

Great to have my friend and federal colleague Congresswoman Ashley Hinson join us Iowa House Republicans this week. Ashley filed her nomination petition for the U.S. Senate with Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate. After seeing her work tirelessly for our district in Congress, I know she’s the right leader to be in that seat. She has been a phenomenal asset for our state, and I’m proud to stand with her as she takes this next step.

The House passed the following 34 bills this week:

Bill search: https://www.legis.iowa.gov/

Monday

SF2190 – Physician assistants. Vote 90-0 as amended

HF2585 – Prescription Drug Labels Vote 90-0

HF2335 – Hunter Education Programs. Vote 64-26 as amended

HF2660 – Distribution of Small Estates. Vote 90-0

HF2538 – Disruptive Students. Vote 73-17 as amended

Tuesday

HF2624 – DNA Submission Requirement. Vote 64-30 as amended

SF2198 – Durable Power of Attorney. Vote 93-0

HF2532 – Probate Trust Proceedings. Vote 93-0

HF2619 – Arbitration Family Law. Vote 93-0

HF2623 – Election Dates. Vote 54-38

HF2720 – Legal Name Change. Vote 92-0

HF2200 – Alcohol Prohibited Activities. Vote 88-4

HF2670 – Education Standards. Vote 59-33 as amended

HF2694 – Place of Worship Restrictions. Vote 67-23 as amended

HF2716 – Public Assistance. Vote 62-30 as amended

Thursday

HF2609 – Campaign Materials. Vote 89-2 as amended

HF703 – Student Loan Information. Vote 90-1 as amended

HF2643 – Biofuel Tax Credit Fuel Report. Vote 91-0 as amended

HF2184 – Annuities. Vote 91-0

HF2337 – False Educational Credentials. Vote 90-1 as amended

HF2329 – Interest on Regulated Loans. Vote 62-29 as amended

HF2190 – Proof of Dog Ownership. Vote 90-1

HF2674 – Non Ag Animal Establishments. Vote 88-3 as amended

HF2629 – Unlawful Squatting. Vote 89-2

HF2638 – Public Records. Vote 91-0

HF2642 – Issuing Water Permits. Vote 90-1 as amended

HF2655 – Emergency Vehicle Regulations. Vote 90-1

HF2297 – Radon Control Residential. Vote 87-4

HF2602 – License Massage Establishment. Vote 83-8

HF2696 – Human Trafficking Victims. Vote 89-0

HF2487 – DEI and CRT Restrictions. Vote 62-27

HF2245 – President Selection Process. Vote 62-27 as amended

HF2361 – General Education Regents. Vote 58-33 as amended

HF2362 – Tuition Guarantee Regents. Vote 85-4 as amended