S-N Editorial

A report released last week should have Iowans thinking twice about their icy-cold vices.

Health experts unveiled the 2024 Cancer in Iowa Report, and results were extremely concerning. Iowa once again has the second-highest rate of new cancer cases in the U.S., alongside the fastest-growing rate of new cancers. The state also reported the fourth-highest incidence of alcohol-related cancers in the country and the highest in the Midwest. Health experts at a news conference last week cited alcohol usage as a possible driver in Iowa’s cancer rates, and they endorsed policies and other efforts to try to lower alcohol abuse across the board.

Stats certainly indicate there’s an issue. As per the report:

• Twenty-two percent of Iowans report binge drinking, compared to the 17 percent national average. Across all demographics, including age, race, sex, income level and more, Iowans binge drink more than the national average.

• State data shows that Iowans spent $446 million last year on liquor sales at businesses holding Class “E” liquor licenses, like grocery and convenience stores. That number has steadily climbed since 2012, when $255 million was spent, and $33 million has already been spent this year.

• Iowa ranks in the Top 10 of highest rates of new cases of oral cavity and pharyngeal, esophageal, colorectal, and female breast cancers. Alcohol has been shown to heighten the risk of developing cancer in the esophagus, colon and rectum, oral cavity, pharynx and larynx, as well as female breast cancer.

It’s possible that ignorance is playing a role in the problem. Everyone is aware that smoking and chewing tobacco increases your risk for cancer, but according to the report, only 40 percent of adults know that alcohol consumption does the same thing. If one thing is clear from this statistical shotgun blast, it’s that more awareness is key. Drinking alcohol has worse side effects than a hangover.

The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) recently conducted a marketing blitz to raise awareness about addiction. Ads hit on alcoholism, meth and sports betting with the goal of getting folks in the throes of addiction to seek help. While the IDPH’s intentions were good, it seems a more targeted campaign regarding Iowa’s position in national cancer rankings is warranted. We can teach our youth about alcohol’s risks while they’re in school, but those warnings should continue like the beat of a drum well into adulthood. As indicated by cold, hard stats, the Hawkeye State has turned into the Land of the Lushes.

Drinking is a choice and nobody is telling Iowans to cut their booze completely. However, it’s clear the state as a whole needs to check its rate of consumption and contemplate ways to curb it. It’s going to take public awareness campaigns and several other intervention tactics, but in the end it’s up to individuals to realize the risks involved with their vices.

Our state’s high cancer rate isn’t solely because of alcohol, but it’s playing a role in it. The good thing is we can do something about it.