June is proclaimed Cancer Survivor Month in Iowa as signed by Governor Kim Reynolds. The Iowa Cancer Consortium states there’s an estimated 171,535 cancer survivors living in Iowa, making up approximately 5.4% of the population.

Relay for Life of Washington County will recognize cancer survivors, caregivers, and those who have died from cancer this weekend. The annual Relay for Life will be held in Washington’s Central Park with the opening ceremony at 2 p.m.

According to the National Cancer Institute, Iowa’s cancer rate is rising and the Hawkeye State is listed as second in the nation in cancer cases per 100,000 people. Iowa’s rate is 491.8 per 100,000. Iowa is one of two states with a rising cancer rate, Utah being the other. The 48 other states are either listed as stable or falling in their cancer rates.