The University of Iowa College of Public Health building is seen on Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Liz Sleper/The Daily Iowan)
The **Iowa Cancer Registry** has released its 2026 report, predicting that **6,400 Iowans** will succumb to cancer next year, an increase of **100 deaths** compared to 2025. The report, published on **March 13, 2026**, estimates **21,700 new cancer diagnoses** among residents of Iowa. This data highlights a significant public health concern as cancer continues to impact the state.
In **Johnson County**, the report projects that **165 residents** will die from cancer, while there will be **6,795 survivors**. The figures underline the ongoing battle against cancer in the region and the need for effective health strategies.
Research Collaboration on Agricultural Health
In an effort to address cancer prevalence, the Iowa Cancer Registry has partnered with the **Agricultural Health Study**, a research initiative examining how agricultural lifestyle factors influence the health of farmers in Iowa and North Carolina. This collaboration arose from public concern regarding the potential effects of pesticide use on health.
**Mary Charlton**, a professor of epidemiology at the College of Public Health and co-author of the report, noted the study’s inception in the mid-1990s, when **31,433 male farmers** and **22,145 women**—either spouses of farmers or female farmers—enrolled. Participants were eligible if they obtained or renewed a pesticide license, and the study continues to generate valuable data.
Interestingly, findings from the study indicated that farmers exhibited **13 percent fewer cancer cases** than what would be expected based on the general cancer rate in Iowa. Spouses of farmers also showed a reduction, with **10 percent fewer cases** than anticipated. Charlton suggested that the lower cancer rates might result from the “healthy worker effect,” whereby individuals in physically demanding jobs, like farming, often maintain better health to perform their duties.
Understanding the Complexity of Cancer Risks
Despite these findings, Iowa has the second-highest cancer rate in the United States. Charlton emphasized that while pesticides may contribute to cancer risk, the relationship is complex due to the myriad of chemicals involved. “Cancer is not one disease. It encompasses hundreds, if not thousands, of diseases,” she explained, underscoring the challenges of linking specific pesticides to particular cancers in humans.
Additionally, **nitrate runoff** into water sources has been identified as a potential contributor to cancer rates in Iowa. However, the lack of comprehensive data hampers efforts to identify which water sources pose the greatest risks. “Not many individuals drink from one water source their entire lives,” Charlton noted, highlighting the difficulties in tracking long-term exposure to carcinogenic substances.
Charlton also pointed out that Iowa lacks a sophisticated pesticide reporting system. In contrast, states like California employ detailed reporting mechanisms that enable researchers to trace pesticide applications to specific locations and times, allowing for better assessment of exposure risks for populations living nearby.
The 2026 report aims to address public concerns regarding environmental factors linked to cancer and advocates for increased research and data collection in this area. “We know that Iowans are concerned about environmental risk factors, and we hope this report provides some helpful context while reinforcing the need for more research,” Charlton stated.
As the state grapples with rising cancer statistics, the insights from the Iowa Cancer Registry and the ongoing Agricultural Health Study will be crucial in shaping future health policies and protective measures for residents.
