Cancer by the Numbers: Greene County

JEFFERSON, Iowa – Iowa has one of the fastest-growing cancer incidence rates in the nation, making local conversations about prevention, screening and treatment more important than ever. On Monday, July 27, 2026, Greene County residents will have the opportunity to learn what the latest cancer data reveals about our communities during the Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project.

This is a collaborative effort from the Iowa Cancer Registry, University of Iowa College of Public Health, the Iowa Cancer Consortium, the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center and the Iowa Rural Health Association. Hosted by Greene County Public Health with Greene County Medical Center, the free community event will bring experts from the Iowa Cancer Registry to Jefferson in a virtual presentation that includes Greene County-specific cancer data and a discussion about the opportunities and challenges faced in this region.

In counties that have already hosted presentations, discussions have centered on topics such as increasing participation in recommended cancer screenings, improving access to care in rural communities, reducing tobacco use, addressing barriers to preventive healthcare and connecting residents with local resources. While every county’s data tells a different story, the goal is the same: empower communities to use local information to guide local action.

 Following the presentation, a panel of Greene County healthcare and local leaders will discuss what the data means for residents and answer questions from attendees. Panelists include:

• Dr. Mark Abraham, a general surgeon at Greene County Medical Center
• Dawn Tingwald, ARNP, a primary care provider at the Family Medicine Clinic
• Sara Huddleston, Director of the Multicultural Family Resource Center
• Dr. Joseph Merchant, a medical oncologist treating patients at Greene County Medical Center

“Good public health starts with understanding the needs of our communities,” said Shelby Cooklin, Greene County Public Health Director. “This presentation gives Greene County residents access to local data that can inform personal health decisions, strengthen community partnerships and help us identify opportunities to improve cancer prevention and early detection. We hope everyone with an interest in the health of our communities will join us in this conversation.”

The county presentation will be held from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., followed immediately by the local expert panel discussion from 5:30 to 6 p.m. at the Courtyard Event Center, 214 E. State St., Jefferson. The event is free and open to the public.