Iowa cancer patients are desperate for better screenings, treatments, and cures. Researchers are desperate to find them. So what's the holdup?
53 million pounds. That's how much pesticide gets sprayed across Iowa every year—more than any other state in the country. With Iowa having the second-highest and fastest-growing cancer rates in America, the science is connecting some uncomfortable dots between what's in our fields and what's happening to our neighbors.
On this episode of Cornhole Champions, Zachary Oren Smith breaks down his investigative reporting on Iowa's massive pesticide problem. From the Agricultural Health Study tracking 89,000 farming families since 1993 to the "gray zone" between cutting-edge science and outdated regulations, we explore why 17 pounds of pesticides are applied for every single Iowan.
This reporting is part of Iowa Starting Line's investigative series "The Hotspot"—sign up for the newsletter to get these deep dives straight to your inbox. https://iowastartingline.com/cancer-in-iowa/
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.
*SHOW RUNDOWN:*
00:00 - Iowa's Staggering Pesticide Problem: 53 Million Pounds Annually
01:30 - Iowa's Cancer Crisis: Second Highest Rates in America
02:30 - 17 Pounds of Pesticides Applied Per Iowa Resident
04:30 - Agricultural Health Study: 89,000 Families Since 1993
06:30 - The "Cancer Gag Act" vs. EPA Approval Controversy
07:30 - The "Gray Zone" Between Science and Policy
10:30 - Company-Funded Studies vs. Independent Research
12:30 - Don Carpenter's Story: Real People, Real Impact
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Pesticides are part of why Iowa’s fields are so productive. Research into pesticide exposure also connects them to our cancer crisis.
Iowa's rising cancer rate has many causes. Our worsening water quality is one.
Here are the most common types of cancer in Iowa in 2025, according to the Iowa Cancer Registry.
Finding the right options for cancer screenings and treatment can be overwhelming. But Iowa has more options than you might expect. We’ve assembled some resources to help.
Iowa has the second-highest cancer rate in the US, and the numbers keep climbing. What's driving these cases?
From cancer support groups in Iowa, to financial assistance for cancer patients, to wig donations and more, here are some places to start. Many of these places offer services at no charge.
