Two counties in northern Kansas have a prevalence of cancer cases that is among the highest in the state. This is leading to a K-State research project to explore possible links and provide insights to the communities. This spring and summer, researchers with Kansas State University will travel to Russell, Lincoln and Ellsworth counties in response to a request that the K-State Johnson Cancer Research Center received about a year ago. “They were having so many of their younger people die,” said K-State Johnson Cancer Research Center Director, Dr. Sherry Fleming. Dr. Fleming points to state data where Russell and Lincoln counties have some of the highest cancer rates in Kansas. For this research, the cancer research center is focusing on colorectal cancer, high in Russell County and lung cancer, high in Lincoln County. Ellsworth County will serve as a control.
