But Conrad and Dr. Christopher Squier, director of the Global Health Studies Program at the U of I, said the news is good, that smoking rates are dropping in the state.

“We have been amazed at the level smoking has gone down; whereas the number of smokers in Iowa was about 23 percent six years ago. That number is now 18 percent and there is every indication the number is going down further,” Squier said.

Those numbers may have dropped even further in the past two years.

Both Conrad and Squier said it’s clear that the increase in Iowa’s cigarette tax from 36 cents to $1.36 per pack has discouraged some from smoking.

And the state’s new smoking ban that went into effect July 1 is also impacting many smokers to consider quitting, they both agreed.

Nevetheless, lung cancer is still a real concern in Iowa, even after many smokers kick the habit.

Squier said lung cancer often does not reveal itself until at least 20 years has passed by.

That was the case with Dahm who put down the cigarettes more than 20 years and is now undergoing treatment for the cancer.

Conrad said while catching lung cancer early on is critical, there is hope with newer treatments.

“We have found some new advacements with chemotherapy, radiation and drug therapy,” she said.

Dahm said he’s hopeful that the chemo and radiation will treat his cancer and he remains optimistic.

“I’m not scared. You’ve just got to deal with it,” he said. “If you get the worst results, you have to do what it takes [to get better] ... I’m not going to sit here and complain about it.”

Jeff Hutton can be reached at (641) 683-5380 or via e-mail at jeff@ottumwacourier.com.

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