New Life-Saving Cancer Treatment Under Threat By Zach Lahn

DES MOINES, IA – Today, a new groundbreaking study found mRNA vaccines to be a promising new treatment for patients battling skin cancer, “preventing melanoma from returning or spreading in a late-stage trial of high risk patients.” While this is great news for cancer patients, this potentially life-saving treatment would be at risk in Iowa if Zach Lahn is elected governor in November. 

Zach Lahn opposes mRNA vaccines, and is “committed to banning them in the state.” Lahn has said he would “pull [them] off the shelves,” and would “end” vaccine requirements for children. The 2026 Cancer in Iowa report estimates “1,500 Iowans will be diagnosed with melanoma this year,” and that Iowa has “one of the fastest-rising rates of melanoma in the country.” 

“This new finding is great news for Iowans who are facing skin cancer diagnoses across the state, but it won’t last long if my opponent, who wants to ban this life-saving treatment, is elected in November,” said nominee for governor Rob Sand. “Iowa has a cancer crisis, and it’s going to take every tool in the toolbox to solve it. Our leaders shouldn’t stand between Iowans getting the life-saving treatments they need. We should utilize every resource at our disposal to solve this crisis. As governor, that’s exactly what I’ll do, but Iowans can’t trust Zach Lahn to do the same.” 

Rob Sand is the only candidate in the race for governor who has presented a plan to address Iowa’s cancer crisis in his “A Healthier Iowa for All” plan, which includes denying immunity to chemical companies that sicken Iowans, investing in water quality monitors, investing in radon testing, and increasing funding for cancer research. 

Read more on Lahn’s opposition to life-saving cancer treatments below: 

• Radio Iowa: Four GOP candidates for Iowa governor back mRNA vaccine ban

  • “The subject came up during this week’s debate sponsored by Moms for Liberty. Zach Lahn, a businessman and farmer, said he would pull all COVID shots off the market in Iowa and end all childhood vaccine requirements connected to enrollment in Iowa schools.”

• Axios: Iowa cancer burden emerges as key issue in governor race

  • “Lahn, who hasn’t yet answered ACS CAN’s questionnaire, previously called for a ban on mRNA vaccines, including those used for COVID-19.”

• Iowa Capital Dispatch: Iowa governor hopefuls discuss education, health care at Moms for Liberty debate

  • “When asked about mRNA vaccines, Lahn, Sherman and Andrews all committed to banning them in the state…”