Rising Cancer Rates Prompt Action in Shelby County
Shelby County faces a worrying increase in cancer rates, with 85 new cases reported annually. As prostate cancer tops the list, community-driven efforts are set to tackle these alarming trends. Discover how local health initiatives aim to combat this growing crisis.
The Iowa Cancer Registry has released its annual report on cancer statistics in 2024, revealing concerning trends in Shelby County and across the state. Approximately 21,000 Iowans received a cancer diagnosis this year, with Iowa recording the fastest-growing rate of new cancers in the nation.
In Shelby County, around 85 new cancer cases and 27 cancer-related deaths occur each year. The report highlights that men are typically at a higher risk, with prostate cancer being the most frequently diagnosed cancer, accounting for about 13 new cases annually.
The top five cancer types in Shelby County also include female breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and melanoma, with approximately 10 new breast cancer cases each year.
To better understand and address local cancer issues, the Iowa Cancer Registry is implementing the Cancer in Iowa: 99 Counties Project, aiming to equip local communities with vital data to improve public health.
Moreover, the report emphasizes lifestyle factors that contribute to cancer risk in Shelby County, particularly smoking, binge drinking, obesity, and physical inactivity.
For more detailed information on this critical health issue, visit the original article at https://www.harlanonline.com/news/iowa-cancer-registry-shares-shelby-county-statewide-cancer-data.
