News : Iowa Lottery CEO, former Benton County resident, battling Colon Cancer

Matt Strawn, 49, the CEO of the Iowa Lottery, announced he was diagnosed with colorectal aka colon cancer following a screening in January. Strawn has served as the CEO since 2019

A Benton County native, formerly from Van Horne, said, "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 Gov. 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, also served as a former chairman of the Iowa Republican Party.

He has begun his treatments this month. .