In 2025, over 37,000 people in Minnesota are expected to be diagnosed with cancer, and around 10,000 may lose their lives to this disease, as projected by the American Cancer Society.
Currently, Minnesota holds one of the highest cancer rates in the U.S. Complete data from 2021 shows about 34,000 new cases, placing the state among the highest per-capita cancer rates in the nation.
Before 2015, Minnesota’s cancer rates were on par with the national average. However, since then, there has been an upward trend in the state’s rates, while the national figures have stabilized. Recently, Minnesota’s cancer rates have started to decline, but the pace is slower than the national rate. The reasons for this shift remain unclear. A notable point is that Minnesota has high rates of blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, as well as melanoma. The state’s strong healthcare system may contribute to better screening and detection, leading to lower death rates compared to the national average. So, while more Minnesotans are diagnosed, fewer die from cancer.
Interestingly, cancer rates vary across different regions of Minnesota. Counties in western Minnesota, particularly in farming areas, have seen the most significant rises in new cancer diagnoses since the mid-2000s. In contrast, some counties in the Twin Cities metro area report decreasing cancer rates.
Cancer is a broad term that includes numerous types, each influenced by a mix of known and unknown risk factors. While environmental issues like chemical exposure can contribute, lifestyle choices—such as diet, exercise, and smoking—play a critical role in cancer development. For instance, colorectal cancer diagnosis and death rates are almost 30% higher in certain rural areas of Minnesota than in the Twin Cities, partly because these cases tend to be detected later, when treatment is less effective.
Scott Smith from the Minnesota Department of Health notes that lower screening rates in rural areas contribute to higher late-stage colorectal cancer incidences. Other types of cancer, such as kidney and lung cancer, are also more common in Greater Minnesota, while cancers like liver and prostate cancers are more frequent in the metro area.
Research is increasingly uncovering potential connections between agricultural chemicals and cancer. For example, byproducts of fertilizers can sometimes contaminate drinking water, possibly increasing the risk of cancers like colon and kidney cancer. Sewage sludge used as fertilizer may contain harmful “forever chemicals” (PFAS) that could similarly elevate cancer risks.
There is also concern regarding farm pesticides. Studies suggest that long-term exposure to these chemicals may increase cancer risks, especially for those who handle them regularly. Evidence shows that living near agricultural areas can be risky too. For example, a study in California indicated a link between prostate cancer and exposure to pesticides in agricultural communities.
Similarly, research has found that women in rural areas might be at risk of increased breast cancer due to exposure to pesticides through various means, such as washing contaminated clothes and pesticide drift from nearby fields.
Overall, while many studies show links between environmental exposures and cancer, determining definitive causation is complex. The Minnesota Department of Health acknowledges the challenges in pinpointing exact causes amid the numerous variables involved.
Despite higher cancer rates in agricultural regions, some areas also report declining rates, complicating any sweeping statements about the impact of agriculture on cancer risks. To better understand these connections, researchers like Jen Poynter at the University of Minnesota are leading extensive studies on the relationship between environmental exposures and cancer risk, aiming to enroll many families across the state.
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