FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023

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Iowa Lottery CEO Matt Strawn Releases Statement on his Cancer Diagnosis

Strawn Stresses Importance of Health Screenings

CLIVE, Iowa — The Iowa Lottery today released the following statement from CEO Matt Strawn, who announced he will begin colorectal cancer treatments this week:

“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. 

“As I prepare for the start of treatment this week, I feel incredibly blessed by the strong support that I have received from my family, friends, and colleagues, and from Governor Reynolds. 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 age 45 and older to schedule their colonoscopy screening today if they haven’t already done so.”

Strawn, 49, is a native of Van Horne, Iowa, and currently resides with his family in Des Moines. He has served as CEO of the Iowa Lottery since 2019.

More information about colorectal cancer and screening guidelines is available here:

https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/colorectal/

https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/american-cancer-society-updates-colorectal-cancer-screening-guideline.html

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Contact: Mary Neubauer, Iowa Lottery External Relations, 

515-725-7906 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.