Cancer in Clay County: What Local Data is Teaching Us
posted by Mindy Sylvester on Monday, August 18, 2025
At Abben Cancer Center of Spencer Hospital, we are always working to better understand cancer trends in our community so we can provide the best possible care close to home. Recently, we had the opportunity to host the Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project, an initiative led by the Iowa Cancer Registry and the University of Iowa College of Public Health in collaboration with partners such as the Iowa Cancer Consortium.
The goal of the project is to visit each of Iowa’s 99 counties to share the latest cancer data and engage communities in conversations about prevention, screening, and care. Hosting this session in Clay County gave us a clearer picture of cancer in our area and allowed us to be part of an important discussion about how to move forward in improving outcomes for our neighbors.
What We Learned About Cancer in Clay County
One of the most striking findings from the data was Clay County’s higher rate of prostate cancer compared to both the state and national averages. Our rate is 168.4 per 100,000, compared to 125.9 for Iowa and 113.2 nationally. This makes it especially important for us to talk about prostate cancer screenings and early detection.
Other cancers in our county also highlight areas of focus:
- Female breast cancer is the second most common cancer here. Our rate is lower than the state average but similar to the national rate.
- Lung cancer ranks third, with local rates roughly equal to state and national averages.
- Melanoma (skin cancer) was particularly concerning, as Clay County’s rate is more than double the national average.
- Colorectal cancer rounds out the top five, with rates comparable to state and national data.
How Abben Cancer Center Supports Patients
At Abben Cancer Center, we provide comprehensive cancer care – including radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy – right here in northwest Iowa. We treat a wide range of cancers, including those most common in Clay County, and when a rare diagnosis requires more specialized treatment, we offer and coordinate care for our patients with larger cancer centers to ensure patients get the best possible care while collaborating for treatment locally when possible.
Our care extends beyond medical treatments. Our team of providers – including Dr. Cuervo, Dr. Nguyen, and Jolie Threlkeld, ARNP – work alongside a compassionate support team consisting of a social worker, nurse navigator, dietitian, and financial advocate. Together, we care for the whole person, addressing physical, emotional, and practical needs throughout treatment.
Taking Steps Toward Prevention
While cancer care is essential, we are equally committed to helping our community reduce cancer risk. Some of the most effective steps people can take include:
- Prostate cancer: Men over age 50 should talk with their healthcare provider about screenings.
- Breast cancer: Women should follow mammogram guidelines and consult with their provider about their personal risk factors.
- Lung cancer: Quitting smoking is the single best thing you can do for prevention. It’s also important to have your home checked for radon.
- Melanoma: Practice sun safety and schedule regular skin checks.
- Colorectal cancer: Screenings such as colonoscopies can prevent cancer by detecting precancerous polyps early.
In addition, healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating well and staying active, can make a meaningful difference in lowering overall cancer risk.
Looking Ahead
This data reinforces where our focus needs to be – encouraging screenings, supporting prevention, and continuing to provide expert care close to home. Just as important, it reminds us that our community does not need to travel far for high-quality, personalized cancer treatment. At Abben Cancer Center, we are honored to provide care for our neighbors right here in Spencer and throughout northwest Iowa.
At Abben Cancer Center, our mission is clear: to provide exceptional, compassionate cancer care close to home while working with our community to prevent cancer wherever possible.
To learn more about cancer risks, prevention, and the services available at Abben Cancer Center, visit our Cancer Services page.
- cancer