Cancer down nationwide, but ‘hot spots’ persist | CNN
Do you live near a cancer cluster? | CNN
An estimated 38% of adults will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetimes, according to the National Cancer Institute, making cancer a top medical priority. The National Center for Health Statistics reports that cancer is the most-researched disease in the United States.
According to the most recent data, the NIH dedicated over an estimated $7.1 billion to cancer research in 2023. This research has led to various new treatments that offer hope for those diagnosed with the disease. In April 2025, researchers at Memorial Sloan Kettering reported that certain colorectal cancer patients may be able to make a full recovery via immunotherapy rather than surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.
With that said, although cancer mortality rates have consistently decreased throughout the 21st century, about one-third of patients will not survive five years after their diagnosis. This threat is still a long way from being eradicated.
More than 1.7 million people in America are diagnosed with cancer each year, and 1 in 4 deaths in the country is due to cancer. Recent research has also found worrying shifts in demographics among cancer patients. Data published in the Annals of Internal Medicine in June 2025 shows that compared to older generations, appendix cancers occur four times as often among millennials and three times as often among members of Gen X.
You see a lot of Baby Boomers and not too much Gen Z on this map.
But as the years go by, this map should get a lot of more light blue popping up. Gen X looks poised to overtake southern California soon, but, for now, the Boomers still reign supreme in most of the United States. Of all the states in the Union, it looks like Alaska might be the most diverse in terms of generational cohorts. All ages are welcome in the Last Frontier!
Additionally, colorectal cancer is on the rise among people as young as 20 for reasons still largely unknown to medical researchers. A May 2025 report from the National Cancer Institute notes that some theories place the blame on obesity, high alcohol consumption, or the presence of microplastics in the human body.
On the other end of the spectrum, new research has revealed lowered risks of cancer in elderly individuals. While cancer remains common in those between 65 and 70 years old, a December 2024 study from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center shows that rates decline among people between 80 and 85 years old. That doesn’t mean the risk disappears entirely, though. For example, in May 2025, former president Joe Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer at the age of 82.
Suffice it to say, it’s difficult to generalize trends of how cancer spreads across different populations. The term “cancer” in fact refers to a collection of more than 100 related diseases, each of which involves a breakdown in normal body processes due to cells dividing uncontrollably and spreading into surrounding areas. Every one of these individual diseases has different potential causes, and scientists are still hard at work identifying links between possible carcinogens and actual disease rates.
Still, we can see a clear variation between groups of people on a geographic level, particularly when comparing cancer rates across all 50 U.S. states. What factors might cause some states to have more people diagnosed with cancer each year than others? The question is still being investigated, but hospitals and other research centers in every state are working to find answers.
To examine this geographic cancer rates distribution, Stacker used data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which carefully tracked the rates at which cancer affects the U.S. population. We ranked 49 states and the District of Columbia by their incidence rates of cancer in 2019, the most recent data available. (Data from 2019 was not available for Nevada.)
The incidence rate refers to the number of people out of 100,000 who are diagnosed with cancer in a given year and is age-adjusted to the 2000 U.S. standard population. We’ve also included incidence rates for the three most prevalent types of cancer in the U.S.: lung and bronchus cancer, prostate cancer, and breast cancer, which is the most common. Incidence rates for breast cancer and prostate cancer are only available for women and men, respectively, even though both of these conditions may impact all genders.
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Read on to find out how your state fares.
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Researchers embark on quest to find cause of cancer crisis plaguing US region: ‘It’s scary’
Iowa cancer rates are the second-highest in the nation and rising, and some think it could have to do with common agricultural chemicals.
What’s happening?
“People in rural communities are getting sick. Cancer is just everywhere,” Kerri Johannsen, senior director of policy at the Iowa Environmental Council, told the Guardian, which reported on this health crisis. “Every person I talk to knows somebody that has [recently] had a cancer diagnosis. It’s just a constant drumbeat. It’s scary.”
The Guardian added that Iowa is just one of two states where cancer rates are increasing, but the cause has been unclear. However, many residents are blaming herbicides, pesticides, and other chemicals used on farms. Then there is the state’s problem with hazardous nitrates — often coming from agricultural fertilizers and manure from large-scale livestock operations — that wash off farm fields and enter the water supply.
Now, a new study will look into these theories as well as cancer links to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and high radon levels, the Guardian reported.
“We really want to find out why these cancers are increasing,” Elise Pohl, a former community health consultant for the Iowa Department of Health who will be the study’s lead researcher, told the Guardian. “We’re homing in on the agriculture side of things.”
Why is this study important?
Agriculture is integral to Iowa’s economy, contributing $159.5 billion to the state each year, according to the Iowa Farm Bureau. And around one in five Iowa residents are employed in agriculture or by agriculture-related businesses, the organization added.
Related video: Why is there a rise in cancer among young people?
Meanwhile, a number of studies have found links between common agricultural chemicals and cancer. For instance, one recent investigation by Stanford University found that more than 20 types of pesticides may significantly increase the risk of prostate cancer.
These pesticides also endanger wildlife. One conservation group states that malathion endangers more than 1,500 species and recently brought a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for its alleged failure to rein in use of the substance.
This problem is global in scope — one study estimated that 3.85 million tons of pesticides were used on crops worldwide in 2020.
What’s being done about potentially dangerous agricultural chemicals?
Farm Bureau Financial Services recommends that farmers wear personal protective equipment such as gloves, safety glasses and shoes, earplugs or muffs, hard hats, respirators, coveralls, vests, and full body suits when handling potentially dangerous chemicals.
However, some farmers are implementing more planet-friendly practices that reduce their need for conventional pesticides, herbicides, and fertilizers in the first place. Organic agriculture involves growing and processing food without using synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, and a number of studies have shown promise for organic fertilizers.
For instance, one study found that using microbial biofertilizers and algae-based biostimulants instead of synthetic fertilizers on tomato crops improved both yield and quality.
Soil treated with organic fertilizers stores more carbon, study finds:
A recent study from Kansas State University has shown that soil treated with organic fertilizers stores more carbon than soil treated with chemical fertilizers or left unfertilized. The research, published in the Soil Science Society of America Journal, utilized advanced imaging techniques such as ultrabright synchrotron light to observe the carbon interactions within the soil.
The study focused on a cornfield in Kansas that had been farmed without tilling and using only manure and compost fertilizers for 22 years. The findings suggest that organic enhancements improve soil health, microbial diversity, and carbon sequestration, contributing to sustainable and regenerative agriculture practices.
by Rowan Hollinger
With carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere increasing in recent decades, there is a growing urgency to find strategies for capturing and holding carbon. Researchers from Kansas State University (K-State) are exploring how different farming practices can affect the amount of carbon that gets stored in soil.
Using the Canadian Light Source (CLS) at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) and the Advanced Light Source in Berkeley, California, they analyzed soil from a cornfield in Kansas that had been farmed with no tilling for the past 22 years.
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Soil treated with organic fertilizers stores more carbon, study finds …
Researchers from Kansas State University (K-State) are exploring how different farming practices can affect the amount of carbon that gets stored in soil. Using the Canadian Light …
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Soil treated with organic fertilizers stores more carbon; study finds …
Researchers from Kansas State University (K-State) are exploring how different farming practices can affect the amount of carbon that gets stored in soil. Using the Canadian Light …
https://www.sott.net › Search
During that time, the farm used a variety of different soil nitrogen management practices, including no fertilizer, chemical fertilizer, and manure/compost fertilizer.
The results are published in the Soil Science Society of America Journal.
“We were trying to understand what the mechanisms are behind increasing soil carbon storage using certain management practices,” says Dr. Ganga Hettiarachchi, professor of soil and environmental chemistry at Kansas State University. “We were looking at not just soil carbon, but other soil minerals that are going to help store carbon.”
As has been shown in other studies, the K-state researchers found that the soil enhanced (treated) with manure or compost fertilizer stores more carbon than soil that received either chemical fertilizer or no fertilizer. More exciting though, says Hettiarachchi, the ultrabright synchrotron light enabled them to see how the carbon gets stored: they found that it was preserved in pores and some carbon had attached itself to minerals in the soil.
The team also found that the soil treated with manure or compost contained more microbial carbon, an indication that these enhancements support more microorganisms and their activities in the soil. In addition, they identified special minerals in the soil, evidence Hettiarachchi says, that the treatments contribute to active chemical and biological processes.
“To my knowledge, this is the first direct evidence of mechanisms through which organic enhancements improve soil health, microbial diversity, and carbon sequestration.”
Because synchrotron imaging is non-destructive, the K-state researchers were able to observe what was going on in soil aggregate (clumps) without having to break up the soil; essentially, they were looking at the carbon chemistry in its natural state.
“Collectively, studies like this are going to help us to move forward to more sustainable, more regenerative agriculture practices that will protect our soils and environment as well as help feed growing populations, says Hettiarachchi. “As well, understanding the role of the different minerals, chemicals, and microbes involved will help improve models for predicting how different farming practices affect soil carbon storage.”
More information: Pavithra S. Pitumpe Arachchige et al, Direct evidence on the impact of organic amendments on carbon stabilization in soil microaggregates, Soil Science Society of America Journal (2024). DOI: 10.1002/saj2.20701
Journal information: Soil Science Society of America Journal
Soil treated with organic fertilizers stores more carbon, study finds
High nitrogen input promotes the redistribution of new organic carbon to deeper soil layers
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You’re More Likely To Die From Cancer If You Live In These 10 States.
Cancer, a disease that doesn’t play favorites, has become one of the top killers in the U.S., with over two million new cases reported just in 2024. While factors like genetic inheritance, lifestyle, and smoking are well-known, your zip code also plays a crucial role in your survival odds. According to the National Cancer Institute, cancer rates vary wildly across the country, and some states have significantly higher mortality rates.
Take Kentucky, for instance, leading the pack with the highest cancer mortality rate in the U.S. The high prevalence of smoking and obesity are key culprits, along with a lack of routine screenings. The healthcare infrastructure faces challenges, especially in rural areas where access to care is limited. Plus, exposure to carcinogens from the mining industry worsens the situation, boosting lung cancer rates.
In Iowa, lung, breast, skin, and prostate cancers are common. Exposure to chemicals and agricultural pesticides due to the state’s farming industry is a major factor. Obesity and alcohol consumption also contribute to the high incidence of breast cancer. Despite these challenges, education and prevention efforts are underway to cut down cancer death risks.
In Louisiana, cancer incidence is 40% higher than the national average. The “Cancer Alley,” a region with a high concentration of petrochemical plants, is linked to higher rates of lung and breast cancer. Inequalities especially affect Black and low-income residents, who face higher cancer risks and mortality due to proximity to industrial pollutants.
West Virginia faces high cancer risks due to smoking, poor diet, and lack of screenings. The state has one of the highest tobacco consumption rates, contributing to lung cancer. The lack of access to quality healthcare in rural areas is a persistent issue, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
Arkansas also faces high cancer mortality rates, with lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers on the rise. Smoking and obesity are significant risk factors. The lack of access to healthcare in rural areas hinders early detection and treatment, affecting survival rates.
Nebraska has higher mortality rates for certain cancers, like esophagus, blood, and kidney. Pediatric cancer rates are also concerning, with one of the highest incidences outside the Northeast. Exposure to chemicals in agricultural production and lack of exercise are identified risk factors.
In New Jersey, cancer is the second leading cause of death, with high rates of lung, breast, prostate, and colorectal cancers. Historical inequalities and exposure to tobacco smoke and air pollution are contributing factors. The lack of early detection and inaccessibility to effective treatments especially affect the state’s Black population.
Maine faces high cancer mortality rates, especially for lung and bronchus. Smoking and the lack of cancer treatment centers are key factors. The lack of access to treatment in rural areas means some patients must travel long distances for care, affecting their survival.
In New York, certain urban areas experience a spike in cancer diagnoses, with rates higher than the national average. Pollution and the state’s industrial roots are linked to carcinogens in the air, soil, and water. The lack of access to vital cancer care in rural areas delays diagnosis and treatment.
Mississippi has the highest breast cancer mortality rate in the country. The lack of screenings and widespread poverty are contributing factors. Most of the population lives in rural areas, making access to healthcare difficult. The lack of awareness and inaccessibility to effective treatments are persistent challenges.
Map shows states with best—and worst—health care
GOTTA KNOW THE FACTS
Lots of cancer deaths in Arkansas, Mississippi and Kentucky. I was a traveling nurse for 25 years before retiring and I saw the most
Why is everything red or blue? It has more to do with the tobacco use not red and blue
In many states where Marijuana was legal there was almost a 20% less risk of cancer because of reduced use of tobacco among the population so health does have to do with politics
We are talking about the able bodied Americans that CHOOSE not to work… Or are we talking about the people that cut lines for handouts?
You have to take into account also, the political climate of the area too. In Red states, education is considered a big no-no, as they are anti-education. They also don’t believe in science, so often wouldn’t really view a cancer diagnosis as real either.
Fortunately, everyone in cities like New York and LA are perfectly healthy, because they love science! No problems in those areas!
Also Red states welcome polluting industries with open arms!
I’m sure it’s difficult to keep up but we’re talking about statistics for states here, and if you actually READ the article its pretty clear that the states with the most cancer are red states.
Statistics are easily manipulated by whatever point the author wants to portray. It has always been that way. Ask any statistician or teacher of statistics.
This statement in no way refutes the data. Red states have higher mortality from preventable diseases for numerous reasons. Boohooing that changes nothing.
Ranked: The Most & Least Educated US Cities | Watch
Real education in Red states is a BIG yes!! It’s the DOGE that discovered Blue State waste and fraud That’s a BIG No No!!!
That’s a common belief that is false, just ask any statistician or teacher of statistics, they know I speak the truth.
So the lessons are clear: Keep your weight down. Exercise. Avoid toxic air, water, and food. Don’t smoke. And get regular healthcare by a qualified physician. I would add GET ALL YOUR VACCINATIONS PER YOUR PHYSICIAN.
I would agree, with smoking and obesity by far the leading risks
Stay out of Blue states and you’ll be fine…
Did you also not read nor take into account that most of these areas lack the medical resources needed for a proper diagnosis there are others who do not follow up nor seek preventive healthcare, and then lastly there are those who have cancer already but have to travel well outside their area for treatment. So the lesson is, we need to invest in accessible, affordable healthcare for all. Chemicals, pesticides, pollution and other contributing polluting factors need to be addressed. Just because one lives in a less than popular area doesn’t mean they deserve to be treated inhumanely.
Oh, and don’t live in a rural area in a Red State – they don’t have good medical care facilities anywhere close to you.
A study published in the American Journal of Medicine found that unvaccinated people were 72% more likely to be involved in a severe traffic accident than those who were vaccinated. This study implies that folks who are unwilling to follow common-sense public health safety guidelines are also unwilling to follow simple stuff like traffic laws.
Blue states just manipulate the data…get real.
A vaccine for cancers, diabetes, smallpox, tuberculosis, immune diseases, and numerous other diseases needs to be developed from the CCR5 delta 32 gene inherited by fewer than 1% of the European population who survived “the Plague” of 1347 to 1358.
Lot of cancer deaths in California as well, I know, I worked as an RN for 20 years in the state before retiring. Depends on which part of the state you live in. California has very RED northern agricultural, religious, poorly educated pockets. California does not have the death rates from cancer the red states have.
Has nothing to do with the income disparity within the state that affects people’s health and well-being.
Rates of cancer (or any other health issues) when one has a 40 million population becomes artificially lower because of the enormous population when compared with populations that are significantly lower, basic arithmetic.
Misleading comment there, and totally out of context. If you correlate the entire population of California to those cancer deaths, you would see we’re one of the lower states with cancer deaths. The highest states are ALWAYS the Red states! FACT.
We have one of the lowest cancer rates in the country FOR OUR POPULATION!
States with the highest cancer rates – Search Images Context matters!
No, basic arithmetic states you DO take population into consideration for this particular equation. For example, if we had 100 people and 50 of those had cancer, you could rightfully say we have a very HIGH cancer rate, however, if we had 50 people with cancer and 20,000 people you could say we have a low cancer rate. The population is critical when discussing percentages in this context.
Again, I would state that its important to use entire populations of states when comparing cancer deaths. We don’t want to be comparing apples to oranges do we? So if a state has a MUCH lower population rate we have to take that into consideration while looking at their cancer rates to come up with a correct PERCENTAGE. This is why her statement regarding California is off.
The rates per 100,000 are being diluted because of the 39+ million population. I would be more interested in the rates per 100 or 1,000, even 10,000 would be an improvement when comparing such a large population with states that are magnitudes smaller in population than California.
That is a loaded political statement, not any kind of scientific statistical statement.
For example Texas is regarded as a RED state. Here are the stats on party affiliation:
Party Registration Statistics
Total Registered Voters: 17,323,617
Democrats: 8,054,976 (46.50%)
Republicans: 6,574,201 (37.95%)
Third Party/Other: 0 (0.00%)
Unaffiliated: 2,694,440 (15.55%)
As one can see Democrats outnumber Republicans as far as registered voters in the state yet at the state level more people vote Republican, but in the large metropolitan areas more people vote Democrat. So, the whole RED state BLUE state belief isn’t true, its’ always a mixture.
Or, it raises issues that should cause suspicion, such as WHY do republicans seem to fare so well despite being outnumbered?
So it sounds as though UR suspicious of the republicans in Texas the same way I’m suspicious of the democrats in California.
These are all red states except for NY and NJ….yet tax dollars from the blue states pay for much of the treatments….although now that Medicaid is being stripped from all of us….it will be the cancer states that will feel it most.
Well, the cost of healthcare is out of reach for a lot of Americans
Nothing is understood there
i live on the eastern ohio border of the west Virginia panhandle and Pennsylvania 35 minutes from pittsburgh, we have many cardinal plants, plus shipping Port smoke stacks everywhere, and the people around here all die of cancer and we didn’t even make the list
And the East Palestine derailment and fire will ensure the rates climb there.
But there are facilities close that can diagnose and treat…. which a lot of the listed states do not have.
Gonna get a lot worse with the cuts to Medicaid and subsequent closure of rural medical care facilities.
yeah because cancer just started affecting people Jan 20th 2025
Never mind this nonsense, just keep enjoying your low taxes along with low life expectancy.
Nothing funny about cancer.
I read and researched after reading that since 2022 lung cancer in non smoking people has risen quite dramatically. Things that make you go hmmmm.
You are most likely to be murdered if you live in Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, New Mexico, or Missouri.
Most metro areas and their counties are Democrat Blue, throughout the entire nation, except maybe Wyoming the only blue is Teton county.
Thank GOD for the fantastic duo MAGA AND MAHA!!
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