University of Iowa Health Care and Mission Cancer + Blood today announced an agreement, pending approval from the Iowa Board of Regents, to create a statewide cancer care network to address Iowa’s elevated cancer rates.

The 2024 Cancer in Iowa report, released by the Iowa Cancer Registry earlier this year, found Iowa has the fastest-growing rate of new cancers and the second-highest rate of new cancers in the country.

Mission and UI Health Care seek to address the issue by providing opportunities for oncology specialists to work together to provide care locally and increase access to cancer detection, treatment and research across Iowa, a news release said.

“By joining forces with UI Health Care, we can provide more patients with access to comprehensive services, shortened time between diagnosis and treatment for rare and difficult cancers, and expanded options for the latest therapies offered as part of clinical trials,” Phil Stover, CEO of Mission, said in a prepared statement. “Mission chose to unite with UI Health Care because we share the same vision of delivering world-class care close to home for Iowans, by Iowans.”

Mission is expected to become part of UI Health Care in the coming months, a news release said. The oncology care provider will continue to provide services at its 21 locations in Iowa, with additional resources from UI Health Care and its National Cancer Institute-designated cancer center. Mission currently employs 19 physicians and more than 200 clinical professionals.

“Mission excels at building lifelong relationships with patients, providing personalized care and helping patients receive the care they need quickly, efficiently and close to home,” Dr. Denise Jamieson, UI vice president for medical affairs and the Tyrone D. Artz dean of the Carver College of Medicine, said in a prepared statement. “This agreement will promote new levels of collaboration in cancer care, research and education across the state. Working together, we have an opportunity to reduce the pain and suffering caused by cancer for many Iowans and train more physicians who go on to practice in the state of Iowa.”

The Board of Regents will meet tomorrow, Oct. 8, to consider the agreement, which is valued at $280 million, according to the release.