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Two recently released reports on cancer rates in Iowa were published in conjunction with Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, observed annually in March.
DES MOINES, Iowa — Two new reports highlight the alarming cancer situation in Iowa.
Earlier this week, the Harkin Institute reported that Iowa has the fastest-rising cancer rates in the United States. Additionally, Iowa holds the second highest overall cancer rate for the third consecutive year.
This raises the question: why? Experts say there are multiple reasons, some of which doctors are only beginning to understand.
The Cancer in Iowa Report, released by the Iowa Cancer Registry, projects that 21,700 new invasive cancer cases will be diagnosed in Iowa this year.
The report also estimates that in 2026, 6,400 Iowans will die from cancer. It notes that the rate of new cancers among young adults in Iowa is significantly higher than the national average. Furthermore, 40% of cancers are linked to modifiable factors such as diet, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption.
Scientists are also beginning to examine the impact of Iowa's farming industry. Some researchers are connecting agricultural runoff, particularly nitrates from manure and fertilizer, to the rising cancer rates in the state.
“High cancer rates in Iowa are likely due to multifactorial reasons,” said Dr. Mayin Lin, a colon and rectal surgeon at MercyOne. “We’ve identified environmental factors as well as diet and lifestyle as key modifiable risk factors that people can change to try and decrease the risk of developing colon cancer.”
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. While it is a serious topic, the Polk County Health Department is using humor to emphasize the importance of getting screened. Doctors recommend starting colonoscopies at age 45. Those near that age may find the accompanying images amusing.
Other ways to reduce the risk of colon cancer include avoiding alcohol, red meat, and tobacco or nicotine products.
The good news is that colon cancer is 100% preventable through smart lifestyle choices and regular colonoscopies. Some doctors believe that proactive legislative measures could help reduce colon and rectal cancer rates in Iowa.
“I think legislative action and health care policies could be implemented to encourage more screening colonoscopies in the state of Iowa,” Dr. Lin said.
