Thanks, Cathy. That is a subject that merits its own column. The Cancer Registry is focusing on alcohol because the connection is very well supported by research. I wrote about the research from the Agricultural Health Study of the National Cancer Institute for many years. Farmers and pesticide applicators are on the front lines of these exposures. Thanks again!
Thanks, Jim. Yes, I identify with the Methodist upbringing reference, although my grandpa enjoyed a little Mogen David "wine" from time to time. Yes, it is ubiquitous! And we do need to consider hitting the pause button.
I don't mean to sound like a conspiracy theorist, but I think the media have downplayed the link between alcohol consumption and cancer in part because beer and wine sellers, restaurants, and bars are major advertisers.
Researchers have known about this link for decades.
A good reminder. But let's not forget the other unique Iowa factors at play in this cancer rate. Iowa pesticide exposure has been studied for decades as well and has also been downplayed.
I grew up in a teetotaling Methodist family so only discovered the attraction of alcohol later in life. Yet when I think of all the events, public and private, in my community today that include alcohol as a major or subtle requirement, the statistics you cite do not surprise me. Thank you for the “sobering” update.
Thank you Cheryl. Many of us have a friend, classmate, family member, or colleague who binged and later in life fell to cancer. It is a heavier health burden for rural/ag residents who can be routinely exposed to cancer causing agents & chemicals in the ground, seeds, sprays & animal products. I was a little shocked that some did not know of the alcohol-cancer link.
Thanks, Cathy. That is a subject that merits its own column. The Cancer Registry is focusing on alcohol because the connection is very well supported by research. I wrote about the research from the Agricultural Health Study of the National Cancer Institute for many years. Farmers and pesticide applicators are on the front lines of these exposures. Thanks again!
Thanks, Jim. Yes, I identify with the Methodist upbringing reference, although my grandpa enjoyed a little Mogen David "wine" from time to time. Yes, it is ubiquitous! And we do need to consider hitting the pause button.
I don't mean to sound like a conspiracy theorist, but I think the media have downplayed the link between alcohol consumption and cancer in part because beer and wine sellers, restaurants, and bars are major advertisers.
Researchers have known about this link for decades.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/03/04/well/alcohol-cancer-risk.html
Very important information! Thanks for sharing it with us.
This is so helpful. Thanks for laying it all out for us.
A good reminder. But let's not forget the other unique Iowa factors at play in this cancer rate. Iowa pesticide exposure has been studied for decades as well and has also been downplayed.
👍
I grew up in a teetotaling Methodist family so only discovered the attraction of alcohol later in life. Yet when I think of all the events, public and private, in my community today that include alcohol as a major or subtle requirement, the statistics you cite do not surprise me. Thank you for the “sobering” update.
Thank you Cheryl. Many of us have a friend, classmate, family member, or colleague who binged and later in life fell to cancer. It is a heavier health burden for rural/ag residents who can be routinely exposed to cancer causing agents & chemicals in the ground, seeds, sprays & animal products. I was a little shocked that some did not know of the alcohol-cancer link.