Matt Strawn, CEO of the Iowa Lottery, will begin treatment this week for colorectal cancer, he announced in a statement. Strawn, 49, has served as CEO of the Iowa Lottery since 2019. He was chairman of the Republican Party of Iowa between January 2009 and February 2012. 

Strawn released the following statement about his diagnosis: 

“Following a recommended screening in late January, I received a colorectal cancer diagnosis. While this is news that no one expects to hear, I am grateful to share that the cancer was detected at a stage where the goal for my treatment is a full cure. My outstanding medical team at the Iowa Clinic and the John Stoddard Cancer Center have recommended a course of treatment that will include chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, and my prognosis is excellent following this course of treatment. … 

“By sharing this personal news, I hope to raise awareness regarding the updated guidelines which have lowered the colorectal screening age to 45, and encourage all Iowans aged 45 and older to schedule their colonoscopy screening today if they haven’t already done so.”