The Checkpoint
The Data.
Prostate cancer data tells part of the story. Community insight tells the rest. We're building both into one living dashboard for Iowa.
Snapshot
Last updated July 25, 2026
Where the numbers stand today.
Public cancer data + Save the Homies community responses.
Iowa Burden
3,100 new prostate cancer cases estimated in Iowa in 2026
14.3% of all new cancers statewide, making prostate cancer the most common cancer among Iowa men.
370 estimated prostate cancer deaths in Iowa in 2026
5.8% of all Iowa cancer deaths.
Source: State Health Registry of Iowa, “Cancer in Iowa 2026”
Black Men's Risk
67% higher diagnosis rate and nearly 2x the mortality rate compared with white men nationally
1 in 6 Black men will be diagnosed in his lifetime. 1 in 35 will die from it.
In Iowa, Black men face nearly double the prostate cancer death rate of white men, representing one of the state’s widest cancer disparities.
Source: American Cancer Society, “Cancer Facts & Figures for African American and Black People 2025”
Source: State Health Registry of Iowa, “Cancer in Iowa 2021”
Screening Awareness in Iowa
47% of Black men surveyed in Iowa have been screened for prostate cancer
42% have never discussed prostate cancer screening with a doctor
Baseline from a related Iowa survey. The Checkpoint will build its own live number as responses come in.
Source: University of Iowa “Project Health” survey of 226 Black men in Black Hawk, Johnson, and Linn counties, 2022–2024
Community Trust in Iowa
87% of Black men surveyed trust the healthcare system at least somewhat
Doctors, 58%, family, 35%, and friends, 31%, are the top trusted sources for men’s health information
Baseline from a related Iowa survey. The Checkpoint will build its own live number as responses come in.
Source: University of Iowa “Project Health” prostate cancer survey
Barriers to Care
42% have never talked with a doctor about prostate cancer screening. 14% do not have a primary care provider.
Medical mistrust, cost, fear, and a shortage of Black healthcare providers are among the most commonly cited barriers in Iowa research.
Source: University of Iowa “Project Health” prostate cancer survey
Source: University of Iowa qualitative study on medical mistrust in Black Hawk County
PSA Kit Requests0Free at-home PSA kits ordered through us
ZIP Codes Reached0Iowa ZIPs represented in the index
Stories Collected0Survivor, family, caregiver & community voices
How we collect it
Built from public data + community voice.
We combine official Iowa cancer registry data with anonymous responses from The Checkpoint survey, PSA kit engagement, and themes from community stories. Public reports use only grouped data.
Take The Checkpoint →Sources we'll be using
- State Health Registry of Iowa, “Cancer in Iowa” annual report
- NCI State Cancer Profiles, Iowa
- American Cancer Society, “Cancer Facts & Figures for African American and Black People”
- University of Iowa “Project Health” prostate cancer survey
- The Checkpoint community survey responses, ongoing, Save the Homies
- PSA kit engagement data, anonymous, aggregated, and ongoing
This platform shares educational information and community insights. It does not provide medical advice. Men should talk with a healthcare provider about prostate cancer screening and follow-up.