Dr. Mary Charlton directs the Iowa Cancer Registry, tracking cancer diagnoses across the state for over 50 years and helping researchers understand Iowa’s stubbornly high cancer rates.
On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith talks with Charlton about what the data really shows, why simple explanations for complex problems fall short, and the challenge of doing long-term science in a world that wants quick answers.
Toss some bags at complicated truths… geographic patterns that don’t fit neat theories… the politics of risk factors… why linking cancer to environmental causes takes decades… and the funding crisis threatening Iowa’s public health infrastructure.
Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line. This podcast is produced by Zachary Oren Smith and edited by Rebecca Steinberg. Our music is by Avery Mossman and our show art is from Desirée Tapia.
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*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
01:00 – What is the Iowa Cancer Registry and how it tracks 200+ variables on every cancer case
03:30 – How researchers use Iowa’s cancer data (including 30,000 pesticide applicators study)
06:30 – Why different cancers cluster in different Iowa regions (melanoma north, lung cancer south)
08:30 – Public misconceptions about Iowa’s cancer report and oversimplified explanations
10:30 – The alcohol controversy: Why featuring drinking as a risk factor sparked outrage
12:30 – Legislative failure: Why no cancer prevention bills passed in Iowa
15:00 – The “murkiness” problem: Why linking environmental factors to cancer takes decades
19:30 – Funding crisis threatens Iowa’s 50-year cancer surveillance program
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