Iowa's cancer problem
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Iowa has the second-highest rate of new cancer cases in the country for the second straight year, according to a new report by the Iowa Cancer Registry (ICR).
Why it matters: An estimated 6,100 Iowans are projected to die from cancer this year.
- While multiple factors contribute to the state's dire number, a cancer risk that Iowans can control is alcohol consumption, per the report.
State of play: After Iowa's high ranking last year, ICR focused on trying to find out why, as well as any "modifiable" behaviors that can improve rates.
- An outlier factor proved to be binge drinking rates — 23% of Iowans binge drink compared to 17% nationwide, according to a recent report by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.
Zoom in: All types of alcohol at any amount increase cancer risks, according to the report, though binge drinking poses the highest dangers.
- Carcinogens from alcohol damage our DNA and also decrease our vitamin absorption, which is important for DNA repair.
- Heavy drinkers are also five times more likely to develop oral or pharyngeal cancers — Iowa ranks second highest this year for new rates of these cancers.
Be smart: It's recommended that adults who drink consume at most two drinks a day for men and one for women.
The bottom line: Many factors can cause cancer, such as genetics, behavioral and environmental structures — but alcohol can compound those risks.
- Any amount of alcohol reduction will likely reduce a person's risk of cancer, per the report.