Iowa has the second-highest cancer rate in the nation, and Dr. Andrew Nish has a blunt explanation: "Politics and big money." After 34 years treating cancer patients in Iowa, the medical director of John Stoddard Cancer Center connects our climbing cancer rates to everything from agricultural practices and contaminated water to our drinking culture and lack of green spaces.

In this episode of Cornhole Champions, Dr. Nish explains the "exposome" - all the environmental factors we're exposed to over a lifetime that influence cancer risk. From ultra-processed foods disrupting our microbiome to nitrates in our water system, he argues that Iowa's health crisis stems from the same forces shaping our economy.

Toss some bags about why politics and big money block solutions to Iowa's cancer crisis and and what one doctor thinks we need to change to save lives.

Cornhole Champions is a weekly podcast powered by Iowa Starting Line. It’s produced by me and edited by Rebecca Steinberg. Our music is by Avery Mossman and show art by Desirée Tapia. We are a proud member of the Iowa Writers Collaborative.

SHOW RUNDOWN:

06:00 - Iowa's shocking cancer statistics: 2nd highest in nation, only getting worse

18:30 - Iowa's binge drinking problem affects highest earners most

22:30 - Why sitting is literally deadly and increases cancer risk

29:30 - Sleep study: 2 fewer hours drops immune cells by 40%

33:30 - Nitrates in Iowa water: "It's not pretty" says cancer expert

40:00 - Why Iowa has world's largest nitrate removal facility

43:00 - Shocking comparison: Iowa's hog waste equals 83 million people

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