Northwest Iowa — Lung cancer is the top killer of people in our area, according to a report just released by the State Health Registry. However, researchers say they’re concerned about the growing number of cases of liver cancer.
Dr. Mary Charlton is Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Iowa.
The U-I College of Public Health is where the State Health Registry is based. Charlton says Baby Boomers are seeing big increases in cases of liver cancer.
Doctor Michael Voigt is a clinical professor of internal medicine at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, who says the Iowa Department of Public Health reported a little more than 21-thousand cases of hepatitis C as of March of last year. He says that indicates there are thousands more Iowans who are undiagnosed and could be at risk for liver cancer.
Voigt says the disease often goes undetected unless you get tested.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone born between 1945 and 1965 be tested for hepatitis C. Voigt says there are very effective treatments.
Voigt says it’s not just an issue for Baby Boomers as hepatitis C cases are also increasing dramatically among Iowans between the ages of 18 and 30.
