For the second consecutive year, The Iowa Clinic has been recognized as a Center of Excellence (COE) by GO2 for Lung Cancer, reaffirming its commitment to providing patient-centered, evidence-based lung cancer care to patients across Central Iowa.
The continued designation comes at a time when lung cancer remains a significant health challenge in Iowa. In 2026, an estimated 1,460 Iowans will die from lung cancer, accounting for nearly 23% of all cancer deaths in the state. Iowa’s lung cancer incidence rate also remains higher than the national rate, with approximately 60.3 cases per 100,000 people compared with 52.8 nationally.
At the same time, advances in screening, early detection, and treatment are improving outcomes. Iowa’s five-year lung cancer survival rate has improved by approximately 28% over the past five years, reinforcing the importance of timely diagnosis, access to specialty care and coordinated treatment.
“We are incredibly proud to continue this designation for a second year,” said Dr. James Mallen. “It reflects the work our physicians, oncologists and care teams do every day to provide coordinated, high-quality lung cancer care. For patients facing a lung cancer diagnosis, having specialists working together and access to advanced diagnostic and treatment options can make an important difference throughout their care journey.”
GO2 Centers of Excellence are recognized for their commitment to patient-centered communication and shared decision-making throughout the care journey. These institutions provide access to core cancer services, including medical, radiation and surgical oncology, as well as pathology, while following practices grounded in clinical evidence, expert consensus and national guidelines. Centers also emphasize multidisciplinary collaboration to help guide treatment planning and ensure patients are informed participants in their care.
Early detection continues to be an important opportunity in Iowa. Approximately 28.5% of lung cancers in the state are diagnosed at an early stage, and only about 18.4% of eligible high-risk Iowans receive recommended lung cancer screening. When lung cancer is found earlier, patients have substantially greater opportunities for successful treatment.
As The Iowa Clinic continues to expand its cancer care capabilities, the goal is to make it easier for patients to receive more of their care within one coordinated system. From diagnosis and specialty consultation to medical oncology, radiation treatment, infusion therapy and long-term follow-up, multidisciplinary collaboration helps patients navigate what can be a complex and difficult diagnosis.
“At The Iowa Clinic, our top priority is giving patients the best care possible,” said Ben Vallier, CEO of The Iowa Clinic. “Earning this recognition for a second consecutive year is something we’re extremely proud of because it reflects an ongoing commitment, not a one-time achievement. November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and it serves as an important reminder that patients in our community have access to exceptional lung cancer expertise and coordinated care right here at home.”