MANHATTAN — The Johnson Cancer Research Center at Kansas State University is funding a research initiative to evaluate two potential cancer risks in Russell, Ellsworth and Lincoln counties.
Faculty and student researchers are collaborating on the project, which explores groundwater contamination in private wells and elevated radon levels as potential contributors to the region’s health challenges. The project aims to gather data to inform the population about potential cancer risks, minimize cancer incidence and improve quality of life.
Russell County currently grapples with the fourth highest cancer mortality rate and colorectal cancer rate per 100,000 population, while Lincoln County faces the highest prostate cancer rate and the third highest lung and bronchus cancer rate in the state.
K-State researchers Karin Goldberg and Matt Kirk, both associate professors of geology, are leading the research initiative, correlating cases of colorectal and lung cancer with potential groundwater contamination and radon levels. Helene Avocat, visiting assistant professor in geography and geospatial sciences, is analyzing connections between environmental factors and cancer types, and Shreepad Joglekar, associate professor of photography, is documenting the stories of cancer survivors, families and health professionals to raise awareness.
“As researchers, we’re trying to understand cancer,” said Sherry Fleming, director of the Johnson Cancer Research Center. “We’re expanding to areas where research is needed and appropriate, which makes our research more real to these communities.”
Fleming emphasized the diverse causes of different cancers and encouraged the team to delve into the specific environmental factors influencing cancer incidence.
The interdisciplinary team is working on a comprehensive data collection process, urging residents’ cooperation in providing access to domestic wells and placing radon test kits in their basements. With funding from the cancer center, the tests will primarily be conducted at K-State at zero cost for residents.
Test findings for each residence will be released to the residents only. Each county will receive the total number of cases of water contamination and radon if found, but no addresses or names will be attached to the cases.
To engage with the community, the research team will host town hall meetings in each county:
• Russell County: Monday, Feb. 26, 12 p.m., Russell Regional Hospital Classroom, 200 S. Main St, Russell.
• Lincoln County: Monday, Feb. 26, 6 p.m., Finch Theatre, 122 E. Lincoln Ave., Lincoln.
• Ellsworth County: Monday, Feb. 27, 12 p.m., Ellsworth County Medical Center Administrative Building Conference Room, 1706 Aylward Ave., Ellsworth.
This initiative showcases Kansas State University’s commitment to impactful research, emphasizing collaboration between faculty and students to address critical health issues directly affecting communities.
For any further questions or concerns, contact Fleming at sdflemin@k-state.edu or 785-532-6130 or Goldberg at kgoldberg@k-state.edu or 785-341-4454.
