Why Are More Young People in the Midwest Getting Cancer?

In the Midwest, something troubling is happening. While cancer rates are dropping in most parts of the U. S. , they are rising in states like Iowa, Nebraska, and Illinois. These states, known for growing corn, are seeing more cases of cancer, especially in people between 15 and 49 years old. Experts are trying to figure out why. They looked at data from the National Cancer Institute and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They found that in 1999, cancer rates in the Midwest were similar to the rest of the country. But since the 2000s, the rates in the Midwest started to climb higher than the national average. One big question is: What is causing this? Experts think it could be many things. For example, the soil and water in these states have high levels of radon and nitrate. These chemicals come from fertilizers used in farming. They might be linked to lung and stomach cancers. Another concern is glyphosate, a common weed killer. Some studies suggest that people who work with glyphosate for a long time have a higher chance of getting a type of blood cancer. But not everyone agrees on this, and more research is needed. Lifestyle choices might also play a role. In Iowa, more people drink heavily and are obese compared to the rest of the country. Being overweight can increase the risk of many types of cancer. So, what does all this mean? Cancer is complicated. It is not just one thing causing it. Experts say it is likely a mix of environmental factors and lifestyle choices. The goal is to find out more so people can stay healthy.