Cancer Rates in Iowa: A Growing Concern in Midterm Elections

In Iowa, a crucial battleground for the upcoming midterm elections in November, nearly all political candidates acknowledge a pressing issue: the state’s escalating cancer rates demand attention.

According to the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities, Iowa has the second-highest cancer rate in the United States. It stands out alongside Utah and West Virginia as one of only three states experiencing an increase in cancer incidents.

As the 3 November elections approach, combating cancer has emerged as a prominent focus for candidates. The outcome may significantly influence control of Congress during the final years of Donald Trump’s presidency.

Republicans aiming to sustain their party’s influence in Iowa and Democrats who are optimistic about their chances in key races are assiduously pledging to make the fight against cancer a top priority. Notably, they differ in opinions on the extent to which the powerful agricultural sector has contributed to public health challenges and how to address them.

Sarah Green, the executive director of the Iowa Environmental Council, a nonpartisan organization, mentioned that state leaders and agribusinesses are reluctant to confront these conversations. Meanwhile, the public is increasingly vocal in demanding accountability in the face of this health crisis, which is why it has become a central campaign issue.

Since 2012, Iowa’s cancer rates have deviated from national patterns and have been on the rise for reasons that remain somewhat uncertain, according to Green. Cancer, encompassing various diseases, has multiple risk factors including lifestyle and environmental influences. A recent survey indicated that cancer is perceived as the most critical issue in the state, surpassing concerns over the cost of living.

In the race for the open US Senate seat, Democrat Josh Turek, who attributes his spina bifida to his father’s exposure to Agent Orange during the Vietnam War, has shared his sister’s battle with breast cancer. His opponent, Republican Congresswoman Ashley Hinson, has highlighted her efforts to reform healthcare policy in Washington.

Candidates competing for Iowa’s four Republican-held US House seats have been engaged in a battle to position themselves as the better choice for directing federal resources toward state needs. In the gubernatorial contest, Zach Lahn emerged victorious in the Republican primary, thanks partly to backing from a PAC associated with the “Make America Healthy Again” movement. Lahn and his Democratic opponent, Rob Sand, both introduced extensive plans aimed at reducing cancer rates.

Seth Watkins, a farmer in southwestern Iowa, shared his perspective, stating that nearly every family on his road has dealt with a cancer diagnosis. He believes the focus on combating cancer and potentially rethinking agricultural practices is long overdue and necessary.

Watkins expressed concern over Iowa’s agricultural policies that have led to diminishing soil health, biodiversity loss, and a rise in cancer cases, urging that these trends should prompt serious reconsideration of current practices.

Discussion on Agricultural Impacts

Iowa is a leading producer of corn and pork and ranks among the top states for soy. Agriculture contributes significantly to the state’s economy, accounting for a third of its output and a fifth of its jobs.

However, this agricultural success comes with challenges. Iowa farmers utilize more fertilizers than any other state and lead in concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFOs), which contribute to water runoff issues.

According to Green, there are few regulations in place to protect people and water supplies from pesticide and fertilizer runoff, which can carry carcinogenic nitrates.

As of 2022, cancer rates in Iowa stood at approximately 506 cases per 100,000 individuals, exceeding the national average of 442. The state also reports higher rates of non-Hodgkin lymphoma and acute myeloid leukemia, with some studies suggesting connections to glyphosate, a widely-used herbicide in Iowa.

The ramifications of agricultural practices have become increasingly visible, affecting even those not directly involved in farming. Some waterways in Iowa are among the most nitrate-polluted in the nation, leading the water utility in Des Moines to implement its first lawn watering ban due to dangerous levels of nitrates.

When researchers from the Iowa Environmental Council investigated the correlation between cancer and agricultural practices, they encountered reluctance to discuss the issue openly, often regarded as a “taboo.” Green noted that Iowans feel unsupported by local officials in voicing their concerns and seeking solutions for the health crisis impacting their communities.

Various factors contribute to the elevated cancer risks in Iowa, including exposure to naturally occurring radon. This year, legislative measures were passed requiring mitigation systems in new homes. Additionally, under Governor Reynolds’ leadership, efforts to reduce tobacco and alcohol consumption have been made, along with a recent $320 million investment in water quality. However, Green emphasized that these funds fall short of addressing pollution comprehensively.

Both gubernatorial candidates, Lahn and Sand, opposed a June Supreme Court ruling that inhibited the ability of individuals claiming cancer from glyphosate exposure to sue its manufacturer.

Lahn’s campaign primarily focuses on incentivizing sustainable agricultural practices while criticizing major chemical companies for misleading Iowans about safety issues. After securing his nomination, he expressed his commitment to addressing the long-ignored problems caused by large-scale agriculture.

Sand voiced that cancer is a prevalent concern among voters across the state and proposed measures for better manure management, radon testing, and conservation program involvement for farms.

In contrast, Chris Jones, the Democratic candidate for state agriculture secretary, stands out with a more aggressive platform, advocating for a comprehensive overhaul of farming practices to reduce environmental harm. His proposals include zoning reforms targeting CAFO impacts and reassessing the emphasis on corn production for ethanol.

Jones compared the necessity of addressing radon exposure to that of tackling nitrate contamination in drinking water, emphasizing the need for policies to mitigate both risks.

Action Beyond Politics

Some farmers are not waiting for political changes to improve their agricultural practices. This past March, three farmers from north-central Iowa branded themselves as “the Lobe Rangers,” launching a website advocating for profitable yet environmentally friendly farming methods.

Zack Smith, one of the Lobe Rangers, shared that the group’s formation stemmed from frustration with political inertia, as they witnessed inadequate responses from both the political and agricultural lobbying sectors for over a decade.

The Lobe Rangers, named after a fertile region in Iowa, adheres to a voluntary nutrient-reduction strategy aimed at protecting waterways from nitrate pollution, asserting its effectiveness.

Watkins, who has downsized his family’s farm operation, noted the shift follows years of observing how traditional farming practices negatively impacted both the environment and community health.

This growing political focus on cancer and water quality is both curious and overdue, according to Smith. They believe that while a single election may not dramatically alter Iowa’s health trajectory, it can instigate meaningful progress.

“Change will take time and occurs at many levels,” Smith remarked, acknowledging the challenges ahead.