FLINT, Mich. — A new research project led by Michigan State University and the University of Michigan aims to explore the elevated rates of cancer in Flint, thanks to a $400,000 grant awarded by the National Minority Quality Forum (NMQF).
Some Flint residents have expressed concerns about possible links between these elevated cancer rates and environmental exposures, including lead, PFAS and trihalomethanes, particularly in the years following the Flint Water Crisis. There is also concern over limited access to reliable, high-quality cancer data specific to the city.
“I lost one kidney to cancer, and now I’m having problems with the other. I don’t know what’s going on in Flint, but I’m not the only one—more and more people are sharing similar experiences,” said Roy Fields, Flint resident.
Recent data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services indicates Flint experiences higher-than-expected rates of several cancers compared to Genesee County and the state overall. These include lung and bronchus cancer, larynx cancer, stomach cancer and prostate cancer.
“We are genuinely honored to work alongside the residents and partners of Flint who are deeply committed to addressing these long-standing concerns. It’s clear how important these issues are to the community, and we want to help,” said Leigh Pearce, Ph.D, MPH, professor at the University of Michigan School of Public Health.
MSU’s Charles Stewart Mott Department of Public Health notes the following:
- “In Genesee County—where nearly 1 in 5 residents live below the poverty line—a cancer diagnosis can have devastating financial consequences.”
- “More data is needed to understand the potential contributing causes of cancer and to guide prevention and treatment efforts.”
Educational events and town halls focused on understanding the cancer experience within the community are planned in the coming months. A dedicated website will be launched at FlintCancer.org.
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