Iowa Has The Fastest-Rising Cancer Rate in America For Third Consecutive Year

It's a list that states do not want to be at the top of.  But, for the third straight year, Iowa is at the top of the list of fastest-rising cancer rates in America.  Iowa is also the second-highest state for overall cancer rates in the country.

From KCRG, “87 of Iowa’s 99 counties are listed as significantly higher than the national trend, and this is unadjusted numbers without adjusting for any other factors other than age and sex,” said Oleson, professor of biostatistics at the University of Iowa College of Public Health.

What Types Of Cancers Are Impacting Iowa?

While Breast and Prostate cancer are the most prolific types of cancer in Iowa, others are surging in numbers.  Melanoma, lung, and colorectal cancer rates are rising at alarming rates in people of all ages living in Iowa.

While many factors can contribute to the rise in cancer rates, experts point out specific reasons these types of cancers are growing.

When people think of lung cancer, they think of smoking.  While that is a major factor, another that has been more prevalent over recent years is exposure to radon.  Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the state.

A Major Iowa Business Is Causing Cancer

Agriculture is a $46 Billion industry in Iowa.  It feeds the country.  It is also causing health issues.

Nitrate-producing runoff from manure and fertilizer is contaminating Iowa's soil and water supply.  The Central Iowa Source Water Resource Assessment Study says 80% of nitrates in Iowa's water supply are from agricultural runoff.

According to WHO 13, the Iowa Farmers' Union understands the issue.  "Farmers are ready to help be partners and build that solution to clean up our water quality. To speak up so that we have safer pesticides and fertilizers," said Tommy Hexter with the union.

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Personally, I have switched to using water from jugs.  I don't know if that will make a huge difference, but with no end in sight, anything can help.