In a small town in central Iowa, individuals like Alex Hammer, Dianne Chambers, and Janan Haugen are sharing their personal battles with cancer as part of a new research project investigating potential environmental causes for the state’s alarming cancer rates. Iowa, with the second-highest cancer rate in the US and a concerning increase in cancer cases, is under scrutiny for possible environmental factors contributing to this “cancer crisis.”

The focus is on agricultural practices, with many residents pointing to pesticides, herbicides, and nitrates from farming as potential culprits. The state’s heavy reliance on agricultural activities, including corn, pork, and egg production, raises concerns about the impact of chemicals used in farming on cancer rates.

The research project also explores links between cancer and substances like PFAs and radon, with elevated cancer risks associated with contaminated farm fertilizers. Despite the controversial nature of implicating agriculture in high cancer rates, the need for independent research to inform policies aiming to reduce cancer incidences is emphasized.

Dr. Richard Deming, a local cancer doctor, stresses the importance of prevention over treatment, highlighting the urgency of understanding and addressing the factors contributing to Iowa’s cancer epidemic. The research team, supported by donations, aims to produce a comprehensive report based on scientific studies and community input, with initial findings expected later this year.

As the investigation unfolds, the delicate balance between economic interests, public health concerns, and the well-being of individuals affected by cancer in Iowa remains a critical issue that demands thorough examination and thoughtful action.