Voices for Change: Iowans Join Forces to Tackle the State's Cancer Crisis

Shine a light on issues that matter—support local news with your gift today. WINNESHIEK COUNTY — The Iowa Environmental Council, The Harkin Institute, and the Iowa Farmers Union have joined forces this summer to hold 15 listening sessions across the state. Their goal is to connect the dots between environmental risk factors and Iowa's rising cancer rates through a blend of research and real human experience. On July 17, the coalition hosted a session at Decorah Middle School, inviting local residents to voice their concerns, experiences, and questions about cancer's toll in their families and communities. The meeting included a presentation on cancer trends in Winneshiek County. Iowa now ranks second in the nation for cancer rates—and is one of only two states where cancer incidence continues to rise. The meeting opened with a stark projection: more than 21,000 new cancer diagnoses are expected in 2025. While many risk factors, such as smoking and genetics, are well known, experts voiced growing concern over environmental exposures that remain poorly understood and too often overlooked. "People know what's happening in their own communities," said Kerri Johannsen, session host and senior director of policy and programs at the Iowa Environmental Council. "What we've seen with these sessions is people starting to understand that it's not just happening to them and that they're part of an experience many others are having." Johannsen, who grew up near Protivin and now lives in Des Moines, said the sessions aim to both educate and build a human-level connection through storytelling. "Being able to tell the stories of those who want to, to tell the story of what's happening in our state and why something needs to change to reverse the cancer rates. That's the heart of this effort," she said. Participants at the Decorah session sat in small groups, sharing how cancer has affected their lives. Tim Wagner, a local environmental and public health advocate, shared the story of his sister's battle with bladder cancer and how, after her passing, he began researching potential links between nitrate contamination in drinking water and certain cancers. "I grew up on a farm, thinking we were doing what we were supposed to do," Wagner said. "After reading a report linking nitrate levels with cancer, I realized maybe this was part of what caused my sister's death. It hit me hard. I can't say for certain that was the cause, but it's hard to ignore this kind of information." The Harkin Institute, a key partner in the initiative, is conducting a scientific review of current research to assess environmental contributors to cancer. "We've hired a research fellow specifically for this project," said Dr. Adam Shriver, director of wellness and nutrition policy at the Institute. "Our goal is to produce a comprehensive report this fall that combines existing science with the voices and lived experiences of Iowans." The Institute, founded on the legacy of Senator Tom Harkin, aims to empower civic engagement and promote public policy grounded in evidence and inclusivity. Jonathan Lawrence, education program director for the Iowa Farmers Union, stressed the importance of accountability and transparency, particularly as it relates to the agricultural sector. "Cancer is not just a distant public health issue. It's personal for many of us," he said. "We're especially concerned with the potential links between agricultural chemicals and cancer. Farmers deserve to trust the regulatory system that governs the tools they rely on." Lawrence emphasized that safety and sustainability can, and must, coexist. "We're here to listen and learn how to protect Iowa's people, landscape, and economy." The stories shared in Decorah are just one chapter of a larger narrative unfolding statewide. Johannsen said the next steps include compiling input from all 15 listening sessions alongside the Harkin Institute's research. A public report is expected by November, aimed at informing both citizens and policymakers. "The conversation in Iowa is really changing, and this is a positive thing," noted Wagner. "We have to keep talking about it and to our policy leaders, at all levels, because we should be taking better care of ourselves and our planet." Knowledge is power! Stay empowered by subscribing to the free newsletter, packed with valuable insights, stories of local newsmakers and ideas to get your weekend started.