Iowa has the second-highest rate of cancer incidence per capita in the United States.
“There’s a higher prevalence of cancer, but there’s also a higher survival rate of cancer, which gives me hope,” says Katie Bailey, manager of radiation therapy and cancer administration at MercyOne Genesis.
The diagnosis affects many families in the Quad Cities area, and Bailey states why the rates are so high.
“There are multiple factors with it,” says Bailey. “Some are agricultural, you know farmers … all the long-term effects of pesticides. Also, the lifestyle of people – a lot more people are overweight. Smoking, drinking, all of that can increase the prevalence of cancer, and there (are) higher incidences of that in Iowa.”
Gilda’s Club recognizes the local need for support and offers resources to anyone impacted by the diagnosis themselves–or of a loved one.
“Families feel really comforted knowing they’re not alone,” says Nora Bosslet, social worker at the Cancer Support Community of Iowa and Northwest Illinois at Gilda’s Club. “They come in really not knowing anything about the services that we offer, then they leave realizing there’s different options for kind of where they’re at, whether they have little kids or teens. And we have programs aimed to connect all of them to one another.”
The nonprofit’s programs include social events, healthy lifestyle activities, education and more, all free of charge. Tomorrow, the nonprofit is kicking off the teen ‘snack and chat’ program.
“Teens, I think, are often in a space where they feel like others don’t understand them,” says Bosslet. “Particularly, their peers are super-important to them at this time. So, we want to bring teens together so they understand that others get what they’re feeling. They’re not alone in this process.”
Professionals and those at Gilda’s Club urge teens–and anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis–to reach out. There are resources available in both the Davenport and Moline locations.
For more information about Gilda’s Club, visit here.