Iowa has been in the national news lately for its disturbing cancer prevalence rates. For many of those years, it has ranked the second-highest cancer rate in the United States. This alarming trend has sparked an investigation into possible connections between agricultural practices and health outcomes in the state. Given that 92 percent of Iowa’s land area is in agriculture, that’s no small task. Residents and researchers are currently trying to understand how these agricultural practices are playing a role in the increasing rate of cancer.
>The state is the nation’s top producer of corn, pork and eggs. It consistently ranks in the top five for producing soybeans and raising cattle. With a total land area of about 35.7 million acres, about 31 million acres are used for farming. This extensive agricultural footprint not only drives Iowa’s economy, contributing an estimated $159.5 billion, but raises concerns about the potential health implications for its residents.
Though an unquestioned pillar of the economy, Iowa’s agricultural sector has recently faced intense criticism as cancer rates only increasing. Local farmer Dianne Chambers found out she had breast cancer at the age of 50. She and her husband currently operate about 1,000 acres near, and 20 miles south of, Indianola. We heard from Chambers as well, who described her worries about the chemicals sprayed on farms and how they may impact health.
“Do I think it’s chemicals? Do I worry about the water?” – Dianne Chambers
It’s no surprise then, that according to research from American Cancer Society, Iowa is one of only two states where cancer diagnoses are on the rise. Experts identify a number of reasons for elevated cancer rates. Alcohol use and high radon levels—the latter being a well-established carcinogen—are other notable factors. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has long warned about the increased cancer risks from farm fertilizers. These fertilizers have been found to be contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs).
Rodney Williamson of the University of Iowa, one of a research team studying unusually high cancer rates in Iowa. Farhan cited a pressing need for an extensive investigation to determine root causes.
“We’re interested in looking at all potential causes of cancer,” – Rodney Williamson
The research team will be developing a full report. It will marry decades of peer-reviewed research with on-the-ground narratives from the people most impacted. This new initiative underscores the increasing awareness of local, state, and national advocates, decision-makers, and health professionals about the environmental root causes of our health crisis.
Local farmer and former conventional farmer Tommy Hextel explained that conventional farmers are very concerned about the threat of cancer on their families. Too often, they fear speaking out against this vital industry that sustains their livelihoods and more.
“We have a lot of folks who are conventional farmers who are concerned about this,” – Tommy Hextel
He elaborated on the possible health implications. Farmers tend to be quiet because they are locked into traditional agricultural practices.
Critics of industrial agriculture have pointed out this unfortunate reality. They point out that, despite the notion of a clean, picturesque rural escape, agricultural practices can have profound health implications. Adam Shriver, an advocate for agricultural reform, stated that systemic issues allow practices that may harm public health to persist unchecked.
“In most people’s minds, you escape to the country for healthy, clean living, and yet … the elephant in the room is that we’ve been practicing industrial agriculture and we’ve had a government that has been subservient to big agriculture and they’ve been allowed to do whatever they want,” – Adam Shriver
Dr. Richard Deming, a prominent oncologist, has been on the front lines discussing and addressing these health disparities. He is clear to recognize the challenges biblically, but stops short of finger-pointing any particular sector.
“It’s not trying to throw any industry under the bus. But lots of people now are scratching their heads,” – Dr. Richard Deming
Iowa is on the cusp of a major public health crisis. Now residents and agricultural health disparities researchers are shining a light on this crucial connection between the agriculture industry and public health. Prolonged high cancer rates and large agricultural operations have caused a lot of controversy. The real discussion takes place on the future of agriculture in Iowa and how that will affect the health of communities.