An Iowa Farm County Seeks Answers to Cancer Rate 50% Higher Than National Average

The Transformation of Emmetsburg and Palo Alto County

Emmetsburg and Palo Alto County in Iowa, which were once agricultural-based economy areas, have undergone a radical transformation impacting the livelihoods and health of their residents. Presently, Iowa farms are primarily focused on raising hogs and growing corn, both of which are linked to numerous environmental problems. The toxic chemicals and pollutants associated with modern agricultural practices pollute the food and water consumed by people, even far from the farm fields.

The Link Between Farm Pollutants and Cancer

Researchers have established a link between the toxic chemicals and manure generated from hog farming and corn growing and cancer incidence rates in Iowa. Exposure to nitrates and other contaminants in drinking water has been linked to an increased risk of cancer of the blood, brain, breast, bladder, and ovaries. The use of pesticides and other chemicals on farm fields has been established to be linked to malignant brain tumors, pancreatic cancer, multiple myeloma, and certain breast cancers.

The High Cancer Incidence Rate in Palo Alto County

Palo Alto County has experienced the highest incidence of cancer of any county in the state and the second-highest incidence of cancer among all U.S. counties. The county records an average of 83 new cancer cases each year in a population of 8,996. The cancer incidence rate for Palo Alto County is 658.1, significantly higher than the national five-year average of 442 new cancer cases reported for every 100,000 people.

The Need for More Research

Medical experts and state health authorities have attributed the cancer prevalence in Iowa and Palo Alto county to environmental factors. However, the exact cause of the high cancer incidence rates is undetermined. The Iowa Cancer Consortium, a collaboration of health professionals and government officials, launched a program to understand and address environmental factors linked to cancer, including toxic compounds from agricultural wastes. More research is necessary to understand this issue better and reduce exposure to farm pollutants that cause disease and death.

Conclusion

The issue of high cancer incidence rates in Iowa is complex and has devastating effects on people’s lives and the environment. Investigative journalism and more research are critical in uncovering the causal factors of cancer incidence rates and finding comprehensive solutions to tackle the issue effectively.

Originally Post From https://investigatemidwest.org/2024/06/09/an-iowa-farm-county-seeks-answers-to-cancer-rate-50-higher-than-national-average/

Iowa Farm County Grapples with Cancer Rate 50% Higher than National Average