In Iowa, a troubling rise in cancer cases has everyone talking, but there’s a secret many are afraid to reveal. The state has recently pointed fingers at alcohol as a major cause of cancer, but locals believe another big factor is being overlooked: the chemicals used in farming.

A State in Crisis

DailyMail.com visited Iowa to understand the growing cancer problem. Doctors and residents with cancer shared their concerns. They found a surprising common factor: most people affected by cancer in Iowa aren’t heavy drinkers. This has led many to question if alcohol is the real cause.

The Chemical Connection

While a 2024 report highlighted alcohol as a health risk, many Iowans think that the true culprit is the state’s heavy use of agricultural chemicals. Iowa uses more pesticides and fertilizers than any other state in the U.S., and these chemicals might be making people sick.

Chris Jones, a retired researcher from the University of Iowa, has been vocal about this issue. He calls it a “taboo subject” because discussing it can be risky. Jones believes that Iowa needs stricter rules for using these chemicals and better monitoring of water quality to protect residents.

A Hidden Agenda?

Jones and others suspect that there might be more to the story. Neil Hamilton, a lawyer and former Director of the Drake Agricultural Law Center, says there’s a surprising lack of interest from farming groups in investigating this issue further. He thinks they might be avoiding the topic because they’re worried about what might be discovered.

The state’s use of chemicals is staggering: 237 million pounds of weed killers and 11.6 billion pounds of fertilizers each year. Some of these chemicals have been linked to cancers like Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and prostate cancer.

Water Woes

Another concern is the contamination of water. After chemicals are used on farms, they can wash into rivers and streams. These chemicals break down into harmful byproducts that can end up in drinking water. Some waterways in Iowa have nitrate levels much higher than what’s safe for drinking.

Maria Steele, a retired nurse with stage 4 lung cancer, and other locals have noticed a pattern. Many of their neighbors have also been diagnosed with serious cancers, and they wonder if the chemicals used in farming could be to blame.

A Call for Change

Jones and other experts believe it’s time for Iowa to take action. They’re calling for better regulation of agricultural chemicals and more research into their health effects. They also want farmers to use fewer chemicals and to protect water sources from runoff.

Despite efforts to address the problem, like a nutrient reduction strategy launched in 2008, progress has been slow. Critics say the strategy hasn’t done much to reduce the amount of chemicals used.

The Bigger Picture

Experts like Professor David Cwiertny say that while there’s no definitive proof linking agricultural chemicals to cancer, the evidence is concerning enough to warrant action. The Iowa Cancer Registry reports a high number of new cancer cases each year, with breast, prostate, and lung cancers being the most common.

A Crucial Conversation

As Iowa grapples with its cancer crisis, it’s clear that more needs to be done to understand and address the potential risks of agricultural chemicals. While the state focuses on alcohol, many residents and experts are urging officials to not ignore the possible dangers of the chemicals used in farming. 

The message is clear: It’s time to investigate all potential causes and take action to protect the health of Iowans.