Researchers want to assess risk factors for cancer in Iowa farmers
By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com
University researchers are looking for Iowa farmers to participate in a survey about cancer.
A report from the Iowa Cancer Registry projects the state to have the second highest incident rate of cancer cases in the U.S. in 2023.
And Dr. Cassity Gutierrez and Isabelle Schroeder from Drake University want to assess the risk factors for cancer in Iowa farmers.
The cancer registry’s findings were “very alarming and it made me interested in trying to figure out the root causes of this increase (in) incidents of cancer among Iowa residents. Especially farmers,” Schroeder, a clinical and medical sciences student, and one of Dr. Gutierrez’s students, told KTIV.
Previous research indicates farmers may be at a higher risk of some cancers.
The National Cancer Institute started conducting an industry health study in 1993 and has been collecting data as recently as 2019.
In a 2022 update, the study found that applicators who used certain crop protection products could be at a higher risk for thyroid cancer compared to those who didn’t use those products.
To participate in the Drake University study, Iowa farmers are asked to fill out a survey.
The confidential survey asks about health coverage plans, previous cancer diagnoses, family health history and more.
“These responses give us a better idea of what these lifestyle factors are and how we can prevent cancer based on the factors and also for education,” Schroeder told KTIV. “Educating farmers on what these different risk factors for cancer might be.”
Farms.com has reached out to Gutierrez for comment about the survey.