In a surprising turn of events, Iowa has emerged as an unlikely epicenter for rising cancer rates in the United States. For the second year in a row, the state has witnessed the second-highest cancer rate in the country, leaving Midwesterners and officials puzzled. Despite similar demographics and agricultural practices in neighboring states, Iowa's cancer rates have sharply increased.

Scientists and researchers studying this alarming trend have identified several factors, one of which is a unique environmental cause. Geological changes during the last ice age have resulted in the release of a radioactive gas called radon. The leeching of this gas from the Earth's surface may be one of the contributing factors to the uptick in cancer cases in Iowa.

The Iowa Cancer Registry and the University of Iowa release an annual report on the state's cancer cases compared to the rest of the country. Pesticide use is among the five factors identified as likely contributing to the rise in cancer cases. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), radon is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers. Thousands of years ago, as huge glaciers covered Iowa and other parts of the Midwest, the erosion of bedrock paved the way for radon to seep into the soil and, subsequently, people's homes.

Experts have now identified the interplay of five potential factors leading to the rise of lung, breast, prostate, and skin cancers across the Hawkeye state. These factors include obesity, radon exposure, tobacco habits, farming practices, and alcohol use. Mary Charlton, director of the Iowa Cancer Registry, explained that the complex nature of these cancer cases requires a multifaceted approach. She emphasized that it is not just one factor, as different types of cancer show distinct patterns and geographical variations.

The 2024 Cancer in Iowa report predicts that two in five Iowa residents will be diagnosed with cancer. This equates to roughly 21,000 new cases, with an estimated 6,100 projected deaths. Iowa currently surpasses the national average for the number of new cancer diagnoses, with approximately 480 new cases per 100,000 people compared to the national average of 442 per 100,000.

Not surprisingly, the excessive use of farming chemicals, such as pesticides and fertilizers, is likely playing a role in Iowa's cancer cases. The state leads in chemical usage, employing 237 million pounds of weed killer and 11.6 billion pounds of fertilizer annually. These chemicals can accumulate in the human body after seeping into the water supply and have been linked to various cancers, including immune system, brain, breast, bladder, liver bile duct, and ovarian cancers.

Furthermore, radon exposure is emerging as another crucial environmental factor. The naturally occurring radioactive gas is released when rocks and soil are eroded. In Iowa, approximately 70 percent of homes are at risk of radon exposure, making it a significant concern. The gas can infiltrate homes through tiny cracks or openings, causing damage to the lungs and increasing the risk of developing lung cancer.

Apart from environmental factors, Iowa's rising cancer rates can also be attributed to obesity, alcohol use, and tobacco habits. Obesity, in particular, has been linked to several types of cancer, including liver, kidney, gastric, breast, throat, thyroid, and ovarian cancer. The 2024 Cancer in Iowa report underscores the need for effective weight-loss strategies in cancer prevention.

Authorities also highlighted the need to address alcohol and tobacco consumption. While smoking rates have declined, Iowa has been slow to abandon cigarettes compared to the national average. Additionally, Iowans have high rates of binge drinking, which is associated with an increased risk of throat, mouth, liver, colorectal, lip, oral, and breast cancers.

As officials and experts continue to grapple with these multiple factors, Mary Rose Corrigan, the public health director for the city of Dubuque, emphasizes the importance of considering lifestyle, access, environment, and policy interventions for promoting healthy habits and reducing cancer rates.

The unexpected rise in cancer cases in Iowa serves as a wake-up call, urging communities and policymakers to prioritize public health and implement comprehensive strategies to combat this concerning trend.